How Garioch Sports Centre transformed challenges into opportunities for growth
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Garioch Sports Centre: A community success story post-Covid
When the Covid pandemic forced sports facilities across Scotland to close their doors, many struggled to recover. However, the Garioch Sports Centre in Aberdeenshire has emerged as a beacon of resilience and community spirit.
Since the pandemic began, the centre has completed over £1.2 million worth of major projects, transforming it into a thriving hub for sports and community activities.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Kevin Bonarius, the chief operating officer of Garioch Sports Centre, expressed pride in the centre’s achievements during these challenging times.
“We’ve kind of turned the Covid struggles into a real positive success story for the centre,” he stated. The centre, which opened in 1996, had around 3,000 weekly users before the pandemic. Lockdowns posed significant challenges, yet Garioch Sports Centre has not only recovered but has more than doubled its weekly footfall to over 7,000 visitors.
Bonarius recalls the uncertainty during the pandemic, with weekly Zoom calls to discuss the centre’s future. “Everyone was thinking, ‘will we ever get back to what we were pre-Covid?’” he said. The answer has been a resounding yes, as the centre has surpassed its pre-pandemic levels of engagement.
Investments that make a difference
The £1.2 million investment has been pivotal in enhancing the centre’s offerings. One of the standout projects is the community 3G football pitches, which Bonarius, a former semi-professional footballer, highlights as a significant addition. “I know how much demand there is for facilities in the town,” he noted, emphasizing the growth in football participation, especially among girls and women. The pitches have become a vital resource, accommodating hundreds of players of all ages each week.
Another major investment was the nearly £250,000 spent on an early learning childcare centre. This extension allows Garioch Sports Centre to provide 1,140 hours of innovative early learning and childcare, creating unique opportunities for children and families in Inverurie. In partnership with Strathburn Park Playgroup, the centre offers a quality activity-based experience that promotes physical activity and social interaction.
Supporting local athletes and community engagement
In addition to catering to young children, Garioch Sports Centre has also focused on supporting local athletes. The introduction of a new strength and conditioning zone has eliminated the need for local performance athletes to travel to other areas for training. By partnering with the Inverurie Youth Sports Foundation, the centre now provides comprehensive training facilities that have led to local athletes competing successfully at various levels, including regional and national competitions.
“We’re delivering everything you need on the one site now,” Bonarius explained. The centre is committed to promoting participation in sports for all ages, with extended opening hours to accommodate the growing demand. “Come and try it, give it a go and enjoy it,” he encourages, highlighting that participation doesn’t always have to be at a high level; the focus is on getting active and enjoying the experience.
A bright future ahead
Garioch Sports Centre is not just a facility for elite athletes; it also fosters a vibrant community atmosphere. The centre employs nearly 50 people and is home to an active seniors group, with pickleball being particularly popular. The social aspect of the centre is as important as the physical activity it promotes.
Looking ahead, Garioch Sports Centre has ambitious plans for further development, including new changing rooms near the 3G pitches and an expanded car park. The centre is also exploring the possibility of reintroducing outdoor tennis to Inverurie for the first time in 20 years, alongside investigating the potential for padel tennis.
“We’re not really a business that sits on our hands,” Bonarius remarked. “We’re always looking at the next thing.” The success of Garioch Sports Centre can be attributed to its strong sense of community. “Everyone knows everyone. There’s a real buzz about the place,” Bonarius concluded, emphasizing the importance of community connection in driving the centre’s success.
