New Brooke Park Sports Centre officially opened

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 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 1900s. 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.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said the facilities would be of benefit to everyone in the local area: “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 is a gem in the heart of the city 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 Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock officially opening the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. Also pictured is John Duddy, former professional boxer, Karen MacFarland, Director of Health and Community, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Paul Tamati, Leisure and Sports Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council.The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock officially opening the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. Also pictured is John Duddy, former professional boxer, Karen MacFarland, Director of Health and Community, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Paul Tamati, Leisure and Sports Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock officially opening the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. Also pictured is John Duddy, former professional boxer, Karen MacFarland, Director of Health and Community, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Paul Tamati, Leisure and Sports Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council.

“I want to thank the Minister for Communities for his support of this project and congratulate all involved in its delivery. I would encourage everyone to come along and try out the new centre for themselves.”

Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA said: “I am delighted that my Department’s significant investment of £850,000 has helped facilitate the delivery of Council’s Brooke Park regeneration project, which includes this magnificent new Contact Sports Centre. In addition to my Department’s regeneration functions, I am also responsible for the promotion of sport and am keen to encourage lifelong participation and enjoyment of sport for all. Together with the new 3G pitch nearby, the investment in the park has greatly enriched the range of sporting facilities available and I very much hope that local residents will take the opportunity to avail of them and make the best use of this magnificent park.”

The new centre boasts a gym, two studio spaces, and a multi-purpose activity room, as well as modern new changing facilities. 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.

Current and former members of the Ring Amateur Boxing Club at the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. From left Micky Nash, Darren McDermott, John Daly, Charlie Nash, Tommy Donnelly, Dr Mark Owens and John Duddy, Front row: Roy Nash, Sean McAnee and Pat Feeney.Current and former members of the Ring Amateur Boxing Club at the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. From left Micky Nash, Darren McDermott, John Daly, Charlie Nash, Tommy Donnelly, Dr Mark Owens and John Duddy, Front row: Roy Nash, Sean McAnee and Pat Feeney.
Current and former members of the Ring Amateur Boxing Club at the new on site sports centre at Brooke Park which replaces the former 'Sparta Hut'. From left Micky Nash, Darren McDermott, John Daly, Charlie Nash, Tommy Donnelly, Dr Mark Owens and John Duddy, Front row: Roy Nash, Sean McAnee and Pat Feeney.

“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.