Over 1600 people helped Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre celebrate its tenth birthday during two days of fun-filled free activities.
Visitors flocked to the Centre on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, to take part in a host of free activities that were laid on to mark its milestone birthday.
Nearly 500 people took advantage of free swimming while another 130 people made a splash in the pool during an inflatable session.
The gym welcomed 430 visitors over the two days who helped add to the 2.75 million km already run by members and the 10 billion kgs of iron pumped since the centre opened.
A search to find local people who shared the Centre’s birthday (21 July) resulted in three adults and three children coming forward to claim a birthday present.
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convenor of the Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, attended the day of festivities. He said, “The celebrations at Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre were a great way to mark its 10th birthday. The Centre has been a resounding success during its first decade of operation, with over three million visitors taking part in the wide range of sporting and leisure activities on offer.
“It was wonderful
to see so many people come along and join in the birthday celebrations. The leisure centre is a great facility which is well used by the local community and I’m sure it will continue to thrive over the coming years.”
As part of the celebrations, a customer who has used the Centre for the past 10 years was selected to receive a special gift.
Retired nursing assistance Betty Gallacher has been a regular at the Centre since it opened.
Mark Grant, General Manager of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust said, “When we asked for suggestions of a customer that would be a worthy recipient of a gift from the senior management team - most of whom have been here for the entire 10 years of operation - one name kept cropping up.
“Betty is a very giving person who always makes time for others. She still helps others in the community by accompanying them to hospital appointments and lending her moral support. She’s a real community champion, well-liked by everyone at the Centre and is very deserving of this recognition.”
Betty, who credits the gym staff at KLC for helping her improve her health and fitness while recovering from a serious illness, was delighted to receive flowers and a year’s free membership to the Centre.
The 71-year-old from Kirkintilloch said, “I love coming down to the Centre to use the gym because it makes me feel great inside and out. I try to come down about three times a week and have got to know most of the staff over the years.
“Everyone who works at the Centre is lovely and really look after me well. I’m in total shock, but I really appreciate them thinking of me.”
Follow us on Twitter @EDLC_Leisure or like us at www.facebook.com/EDLC-Leisure