Staff and customers say it is 'good to be back' after Mansfield gyms reopen
Gyms finally reopened their doors this weekend after four months of closure due to coronavirus.
Mansfield District Leisure Trust’s centres have now commenced phase one of their reopening plan, which sees some facilities reopening on limited hours.
Phase two will see extended hours at sites, and other facilities will reopen when restrictions are lifted further.
Andrew Smith is contract manager for the Trust who manage the local leisure centres on behalf of Mansfield District Council, and was on hand to oversee the reopening.
He said: “We have spent the past three months trying to ensure that the buildings are safe for both staff and customers.
“We think you’ll enjoy the experience, but it will be slightly different to the one you’ve had in the past.”
Whilst facilities are still limited, I witnessed firsthand a fantastic socially-distanced body pump class and new gym layouts with clear signage to allow customers safe entry and exit to the facility.
Sharon Yorke has been a member of Water Meadows for many years, and was thrilled to be back.
She said: “I’ve loved being back after four months – there’s only so much walking around the reservoir you can do.
"I wish things were back to normal everywhere, but being back in the gym helps.”
Nick Fletcher, gym instructor at Water Meadows said: “We’ve tried to make everything as safe as possible, following the government guidelines closely.
"Everyone seems to be enjoying it so far.
"It’s just good to be back.”
For information on the leisure centres, see their website mansfieldleisure.com