Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about leisure facilities:

Q1. Which leisure facilities does the Council own and manage throughout the Banbridge District?
A1. The Council owns and manages the following leisure facilities throughout the District. They include Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dromore Community Centre, Rathfriland Community Centre, King George V Playing Fields (Banbridge), Havelock Park (Banbridge), Holm Park (Dromore), Crystal Park (Banbridge), Cheney Park (Banbridge), Ferris Park (Dromore) and Rathfriland Bowling Pavilion. It is also responsible for proividing many public parks and play areas in the District.

Q2. Which sports activities does the Council's leisure/community centres offer?
A2. The Council's three leisure/community centres offer a varied activity programme throughout the year. Some of the activities available at the centres include aerobics, archery, judo, karate, netball, kai bo, pilates, spinning, squash, yoga, gymnastics and much more. Check out the 'Leisure Centres' section of this website to find out which activity programme is currently available at each centre. Alternatively, you can visit www.banbridgeleisure.com

Q3. How much did it cost to construct Banbridge Leisure Centre?
A3. Opened in September 2001, it cost £6,000,000 to construct Banbridge Leisure Centre. This facility has proved to be a very important amenity for all local people. To date, over 20,000 people have become members of the Council's Leisure Pass scheme which entitles them to discounted rates at each of its leisure/community centres.

Q4. How can I find out about the opening times of leisure facilities?
A4. You can ring the facility up directly and ask for this information. Alternatively, this information can be found online in the 'Leisure Centres' section of this website or at www.banbridgeleisure.com

Q5. I want to hire the main hall in Banbridge Leisure Centre. How can I do this?
A5. You should contact the reception desk of Banbridge Leisure Centre directly on 028 4062 8800 for checking the availability of rooms/halls within Banbridge Leisure Centre. Leisure pass members can book a room/hall up to one week in advance of the date when they want to hire it. Non leisure pass members can only book a room/hall on the same day that they require it. For extended let requests, you must fill out an application form which is available from the reception desk. It is advisable to check availability of a room/hall before completing the application form.

Q6. I want to hire a pitch for a football match. How can I do this and who should I contact?
A6. You should contact the Council's Leisure Services Department on 028 4066 0605 in relation to all pitch/playing field hire enquiries (except for King George V Playing Fields and Rathfriland Bowling Club) to find out about availability and hire fees. If you would like to make a booking for the King George V Playing Fields or Rathfriland Bowliing Club, you should contact Banbridge Leisure Centre on 028 4062 8800.

Q7. How deep is the main pool within Banbridge Leisure Centre?
A7. The main pool has a maximum depth of 1.5 metres which was determined in consultation with the authors of 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools'. They advised the Council that the safest and most versatile depth for the new pool should be no more than 1.5 metres with 75% of the surface area being 1 metre deep or less.

Q8. How much does it cost to join the Council's Leisure Pass scheme and how can I become a member?
A8. The annual costs for Leisure Pass membership are £15 per adult, £7.50 per child and £20 per family (which allows up to two adults and three children under 16 years). You can pick up an application form from the reception desk at Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dromore Community Centre and Rathfriland Community Centre. On providing a completed form and paying the appropriate fees, you will be issues with a card which must be presented when using a local leisure facility.

Q9. What are the main benefits gained from becoming a Leisure Pass member?
A9. The main benefits include:

• Lower cost admission fees
• Purchase lower cost activity vouchers
• Make telephone bookings for activities up to seven days in advance
• Set up direct debit payment schemes
• Concessionary rates for unemployed, single parent families, OAPs and students 
• Lower cost offers for swimming lessons and other organised coaching sessions

Q10. How can I submit or ask a question about leisure facilities?
A10. You can submit a question by selecting the 'Contact Us' link in the left hand navigation listing. Alternatively, you can contact Banbridge Leisure Centre directly on 028 4062 8800 or the Council's Leisure Services Department on 028 4066 0605.