Behind the Scenes: September ‘20
The usual signs of the passing of the seasons might be a little different this year but at least nature is still taking its usual course. With the leaves turning and dropping, read on to find out how the continued restrictions are affecting Atlantis as we enter Autumn:
Centre Life – ‘new pools please‘
As the restrictions remain in place, we’ve continued to put the time to the best use as possible. Throughout September we’ve had a variety of skilled trades working hard around the pool areas. In light of the new Coronavirus guidance, this is part of our process to ensure that the facility is as safe and as easy to clean as possible. The entire pool-side around both pools has been re-grouted and treated, with tiles replaced or repaired where necessary. The inside of the small pool has also benefitted from the same treatment and is looking much better. We recognise our responsibility to look after Atlantis and ensure all facilities are in excellent order for your return – whilst costly and time-consuming, these works are an important part of that.
Last time, we let you know that refurbishment works to the wet-side changing rooms were due to start – these are now underway. Aside from our appointed contractor, we’ve even had some of our own willing Atlantis staff team muck in to help with getting the job done and keeping the project affordable. This is a significant project for Atlantis, made up of mini-projects that all have to be completed properly and carefully. Given that these are being undertaken on an aging building, this makes for unforeseen setbacks along the way. The changing rooms are no exception and have already presented additional challenges that add cost and delay completion.
Elsewhere in the Centre, the roof above the Sports Hall was assessed during September, with a repair booked in for early October. In the midst of all the uncertainty of Covid-19, we’re working hard to make sure all the important planned maintenance works are not forgotten.
Activities – ‘Atlantis awakens ‘Atlantis is following a phased reopening of facilities – as the government and relevant professional bodies allow, we are gradually bringing more activities back. One of the benefits of that is seeing familiar faces return to the Centre. We thoroughly enjoy hosting our StayActive and Healthy Options friends during the Gym hours that we’ve reserved for their exclusive use. It’s encouraging to receive feedback that our diligence and hard work around sanitisation and safety precautions is helping people feel safe and welcome when at Atlantis.
Our latest activity to return is the Climb Cube. This reopened on Monday the 5th of October and with it we’ve introduced a brand new membership designed to make climbing at Atlantis easier and more affordable.
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None of us thought the world would still be in the grip of Covid-19 as we head into Autumn. Atlantis continues to be faced by the challenges of reduced income, decreased capacity and the difficulties of redundancy. We firmly believe that communities like Oban will get through this by looking out for one another and helping where we can - the Atlantis team are proud to play our part in that.