Seconds out! New Brooke Park Sports Centre opens its doors

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock has officially opened a new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former “Sparta Hut.” The state of the art new centre offers the public a range of upgraded leisure facilities and a modern slant to the Victorian park which has been open to the public since the early 1900's. Representing an investment of £1million by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from the Department for Communities, the modern new centre is in keeping with the new look site. The new centre boasts a gym, two studio spaces, and a multi-purpose activity room, as well as modern new changing facilities. Among those in attendance were former world title boxing contenders John Duddy (middleweight) and Charlie Nash (lightweight). The centre is just one element of the work on site which has already seen the complete transformation of the park area itself and the opening of a new 3G pitch. Ald McClintock said the facilities would be of benefit to everyone in the local area. She added: "Enhancing the health and well-being of people across the district is a key focus of Council's new strategic community plan, and this new centre will certainly offer people in the surrounding area the chance to try out some healthy activities. "The park itself is a gem in the heart of the city centre and the new sports hub will add to its appeal by complementing the fantastic new play park amenities and the other facilities on site which will be unveiled in the coming weeks.” The centre is just one element of the work on site which has already seen the complete transformation of the park area itself and the opening of a new 3G pitch. Director of Community Health and Well-being Karen McFarland, said: "The Brooke Park centre has always played a pivotal role within the community and I am sure this new centre will be just as integral to community life. "This is just one highlight of Council's ambitious capital development programme and demonstrates the commitment to delivering on Council's promise to provide first class sports and leisure facilities servicing communities throughout the district." To mark the opening a number of events will be taking place over the coming days and weeks, including a dinner dance, schools sports day, junior football tournament, a Family Fun Day on Saturday December 3rd December and the 12 days to Christmas taster programme. Photo shows John Duddy with Callum Nelson and Pearse Jordon from the Ring Amateur Boxing Club, one of the many clubs based at the new centre.