Revealed: How busy Fife’s leisure centres were last year
The centres run by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust recorded increases in several areas – including more use by Fifers aged 60 or over between March 2018 and 2019.
The Michael Woods Sports Centre in Glenrothes was the most used facility bin the region with over half a million visitors.
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Hide AdThe flagship venue pulled in 580,814 people – well ahead of Carnegie Leisure Centre in Dunfermline at 445,000.
Kirkcaldy’s £15m leisure centre on the Esplanade was the third busiest centre with 289,000 visitors, ahead of Cowdenbeath (206,000) in fourth.
Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre was the least used with 9,865 visitors, but it was closed for much of 2018 for a massive refurbishment.
Burntisland’s Beacon Leisure Centre, Bowhill Swimming Pool, Cupar Leisure Centre, East Sands Leisure Centre, Lumphinanns Sports and Waterstone Crook Sports Centre all recorded increases in attendances.
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Hide AdOverall, attendances in the over-60s was up 5.2 per cent, use in wetside was up 1.4 per cent and use of outdoor facilities increased 5.4 per cent.
Ed Watson, chief executive, said: “We have seen some challenges this year with some temporary disruption to sites for refurbishment works, and there has been greater competitive pressure from private gyms within the region along with a period of good weather over the summer affecting attendances.
“However, we have seen some significant areas of growth and continued success in engaging with the local community to get more active.
“As a local charitable trust, we are very aware that people who choose to use our facilities are investing in an organisation which has the well-being of local communities at its core – by continuing to perform well, we are able to invest surpluses back into facilities and programmes for everyone’s benefit.”
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Hide AdThe figures were welcomed by Councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of community and housing committee.
The Kirkcaldy councillor said: “The trust has delivered a strong set of results with overall attendances having increased despite temporary closures in some facilities.
“It is encouraging to see the continued popularity of the Move More programme. The increase in referrals is extremely positive and can only help the health of the individuals concerned at a time when its most needed.
Attendance breakdown by facility:
Michael Woods Sports Centre 580,814
Carnegie Leisure Centre 445,695
Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre 289,064
Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre 206,260
Duloch Leisure Centre 163,334
Beacon Leisure Centre 147,649
Cupar Leisure Centre 143,863
Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre 140,136
East Sands Leisure Centre 132,314
Bowhill Swimming Pool 64,761
Pitreavie Athletics Centre 39,186
Lumphinnans Sports Hub 38,062
Waterstone Crook Sports Centre 28,310
Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre 9,865