Many communities have their own recreation centres. They are often referred to as leisure centres or sports centres.
Funding the Recreation Centres
Typically these small centres are operated and financed by local councils. However, some areas have modern upscale commercial sports centres. Some of these larger centres may charge low membership fees.
Sports
Generally, most recreational centres offer many sports such as:
Basketball- Swimming
- Table tennis
- Badminton
- Netball
- Racketball
- Diving
- Squash
- Indoor soccer
- Hockey
- Tennis
Activities
You may also find other activities at some of the recreation centres, such as the following:
Martial arts- Rollerskating
- Gymnastics
- Archery
- Trampolining
- Billiards
- Canoeing (in the pool)
- Snooker
- Weight training
- Yoga
- BMX biking
- Yoga
Many online government websites post recreational facilities and the programmes offered. Some facilities may also provide and contain dry-slope skiing facilities, sports halls, games rooms, fitness rooms, and general activities areas.
Upscale Leisure Centres
Many of the upscale leisure centres may also have a beauty spa, steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, health salons, massage services, solariums, beauty treatment rooms and spa baths. Some centres even provide nursery facilities, restaurants, licenced bars, cafes, and a sports shop. Most recreational facilities offer free parking for their patrons.
Leisure Activities
Many recreational centres also organise non-sporting activities. These may include:
Chess- Bingo
- Photography
- Bridge
- Whist
- Music
- Art
- Scrabble
These centres are great gathering places for social activities.
Hours of Business
Many sports, leisure and recreational centres are open seven days a week. Typically from nine in the morning to approximately eleven at night. However, smaller centres may have reduced hours.
Membership
Some facilities offer memberships at a nominal fee of approximately £10 a year. The advantage of becoming a member allows people to book equipment and courts. Whereas, non-members may be required to pay for courts and equipment used in advance. Members also have the advantage of free events on club nights. Some hold in-house billiards tournaments for their members, for example.