The EA Networks Centre celebrated a visitor milestone and new record on Wednesday when its 500,000th customer walked through the door.

The previous visitor record was 494,329 in the 12 months to 30 June 2024 and this year’s new record tally will keep growing until 30 June 2025, which is this Monday.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said the honour of breaking the 500,000 mark went to a family group, who were presented with a pair of Speedo goggles and a voucher donated by Eat café, which is part of the facility.

“The team was really excited to hit this milestone and there were smiles all round, especially for the youngster now sporting new goggles.”

Ms Mosley said the centre turned 10 years old this year and was proud to host several big events during the year, which no doubt boosted numbers.

“Most recently, we hosted the national indoor bowls championships with around 600 competitors but the new record was also achieved in spite of the aquatic area being closed for a month in January for major repairs and maintenance.

“It’s great hosting special events and tournaments, but we take just as much pleasure from seeing our regular stadium users, swimmers and gym people and knowing that we are part of their sport and play routines.”

Currently the stadium is busy with regular netball competition and other winter sport, while the pools have over 1100 children coming each week for learn-to-swim classes. Gym and fitness participation remains steady, with a variety of health and wellness programmes dedicated to special populations, like cancer survivors, new mums or those just starting a fitness journey.

Ms Mosley said it was great to see the sport and pool centre grow and develop over the years, to meet the needs of a changing community.

“We look forward to the summer and the opening of the new outdoor mini golf course.”