DOUBLE gold medallist paralympian Graham Edmunds will officially open Reading's brand-new leisure centre at Palmer Park.

The new site includes a 25m community swimming pool, fitness studio, cycle studio, gym, soft play, cafe, and more.

Edmunds, who was born and grew up in Reading, will give the town’s long-awaited leisure site the official seal of approval on Thursday, January 12.

Reading Chronicle:

He will be joined by the mayor of Reading Rachel Eden and Reading Borough Council's lead councillor for Culture and Leisure Adele Barnett-Ward, alongside representatives from GLL, Reading’s leisure partner running the new centre, and Pellikaan the site’s construction company.

Graham Edmunds said: "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. 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)."

He added: "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."

Following the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at 11am, there will be a synchronised swimming performance in the new community pool by the Electric Eels swimming club. Berkshire's Electric Eels, based in Windsor, work with children with Down Syndrome, from absolute beginners to swimming at a competitive level.  

Reading Chronicle:

Children from Alfred Sutton Primary School will also be in attendance and trying out the centre’s soft play.

Members of the public are also invited to the centre to take advantage of free taster sessions after the ceremony throughout the day, including:

  • Community pool: Swim for Fitness, Aqua Fit, Family Fun, 50+, Swim School (non-swimmers, beginners, development), Swim Doctor (adult lessons) and Ladies only swim
  • Studio: Yoga, Virtual class (Wexar), Legs Bums &Tums, Functional Fitness, 50+ Tai Chi, Women’s Only Circuits
  • Group cycle: Three sessions (morning, afternoon and evening)
  • Health MOTs: Healthwise facilitators will be carrying out health MOTs throughout the day, open to anyone to drop in. Reading’s Community Alcohol Partnership officer will also be on hand to offer advice and support
  • Gym: Inductions throughout the day

Reading Chronicle:

RBC's lead councillor for Leisure and Culture Adele Barnett-Ward said: "We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we have delivered on that promise.

"I dropped by for a swim over Christmas and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the beautiful new pool, studio, soft play and café... and is there any other gym in Reading with such beautiful views? 

“We are honoured to have Paralympian Graham Edmunds, who is originally from Reading, giving the centre the official seal of approval."

The centre opened to the public on December 19, ahead of the officialy opening this week.

For more details or to book taster sessions visit the Palmer Park website at better.org.uk/palmerpark