A PARALYMPIC swimmer born in Reading will be officially celebrating the opening a brand new leisure facility in Reading this week.
Graham Edmunds, who has won two gold medals at the Paralympics, will be leading proceedings as the opening of the new Palmer Park leisure centre and stadium is commemorated on Thursday, January 12.
He will be joined by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, and lead councillor for culture and leisure, Adele Barnett-Ward, as well as representatives from leisure partner GLL and site constructors Pellikaan.
The ceremony will see a commemorative plaque unveiled at the site, followed by a synchronised swimming performance in the brand new pool by the Electric Eel swimming club.
Following the ceremony, members of the public will be given the chance to sample the centre’s offerings with gym inductions and taster sessions for the pool and exercise classes, as well as the opportunity to meet the manager.
Mr Edmunds said: “Sport, exercise and activity are the key to both improving and maintaining good physical and mental health.
“After what the world has been through the last few years, it is paramount, now more than ever, for us to help ourselves take charge of looking after both of these.
“The new facility at Palmer Park is not only easy to access but so enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”
He continued: “I was blown away by the whole facility. It is beautiful and functional for all levels of activity, exercise or sport depending on what you wish to do.
“The accessibility to all parts of the building as well as the different levels of activity or exercise really impressed me.”
The community pool at the facility includes provisions to improve accessibility for those who experience difficulty using pools.
Mr Edmunds said: “I will always be biased wherever there is water because swimming for me is a life skill that can help you from cradle to grave as well as any hiccups on the way– as I found out.
“The pool here at Palmer Park has the ability to get wheelchair users in and out simply without fuss.”
He also spoke of the centre’s other facilities, saying: “The gym has so many different exercise stations that can be used for rehabilitation, coordination and high-level training/exercise.
“Having been in sports facilities all around the world, this one is up with the best I have seen for all-round capabilities.
“I would encourage everyone in the local area to make use of it because I can see this being the heart of the community for so many reasons.”
The leisure centre opened to the public in December last year and includes a 100-station gym, an exercise studio, a soft-play zone for children, an information hub, and a café.
It also features brand new changing rooms and accessible toilets and facilities.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we have delivered on that promise.
“We are honoured to have Paralympian Graham Edmunds, who is originally from Reading, giving the centre the official seal of approval.”
“The facilities have been designed for everyone in the community, catering to dedicated athletes as well as families looking to blow off some steam, which is why we are delighted and honoured to have a performance by the Electric Eels to celebrate the new community pool.”
Electric Eeels swimming club works with children with Down Syndrome, and is the swimming club in the country with a synchronised swimming team.
They have also represented Great Britain at the European and World Championships for people with Down Syndrome.
Cllr Barnett-Ward said: “The Electric Eels support swimmers at all levels and are ambassadors for inclusive sport not only in Berkshire, but on the world stage.”
Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading said: “As part of our official opening event, we’d like to invite members of the public to the centre for free taster sessions on 12 January.
“You can also book a free tour of the facilities and during January, people signing up for centre-only memberships at Palmer Park can take advantage of membership for £28 per month.”
Gert-Jan Peeters, director of Pellikaan UK, said: “We are delighted to have delivered the new facilities at Palmer Park and we know the new centre will be a welcome addition for the local community for years to come.”
More information about the Palmer Park leisure centre and memberships can be found online via: www.better.org.uk/palmer-park
