22 February 2011

Total participation numbers at Lakes Leisure reached 268,926 for the period 1 July to 31 December 2010, 26% up on the same period in 2009/2010.

Lakes Leisure presented the figures in its six monthly report to Council this morning.

CEO Fiona McKissock said Lakes Leisure was focused on providing good value sport and leisure programmes and facilities to the widest community.

“The positive impact of several new initiatives to engage and reach the whole community is evident in the statistics. We are delighted to report on the increasing community use of the district’s leisure facilities that have contributed to such a positive interim result. Our team has worked really hard to manage the facilities efficiently and cater for up to 10,000 people per week.”

The three swimming pools, swim schools, sports turf, Alpine Health & Fitness, community programmes and events have all reported strong growth in participation numbers with plenty planned for the community to get involved in during the remainder of the year. Indications are that this positive trend in participation numbers will continue through the remainder of the 2010/2011 financial year.

Departments funded by council operating grant are tracking within budget whilst absorbing the cost of the increase in volumes. The operating surplus of $149k is the result of the success of the Alpine Health & Fitness centre. This department receives no ratepayer funding but strong community support and membership revenue from 1,200 members has driven this operating surplus. This interim result will be applied to the repayment of the bank loan financing the gyms fit out and equipment, ongoing capital replacement, future investment and funding of subsidised community programmes.

ENDS

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