A free family open day comes to Canvey Island this Saturday as Waterside Farm Leisure Centre throws open its doors for an afternoon of activities. The event runs from 11:00 to 15:00 on 4 July at the Somnes Avenue site and is open to all residents as part of the Castle Point Active community programme.
Visitors can expect soft play sessions at Castle Cove Soft Play, a bouncy castle and slides, face painting, a kids tattoo station, magician and entertainer shows, and giant games, all free of charge. Swimming will be available throughout the day for a flat fee of £1 per person.
The centre, operated by Castle Point Borough Council under the Castle Point Active brand, sits alongside Runnymede Leisure Centre in Benfleet and has seen significant investment in recent years. A £98,800 government grant through the Swimming Pool Support Fund helped install photovoltaic panels to cut energy costs, while Essex County Council’s Public Health Accelerator Bid contributed £227,000 to launch the Find Your Active Referral Campaign. The facility also offers a fitness suite, sports courts, sauna and steam rooms, a 3G football pitch, and a cafe, with cycle lanes and secure bike parking near the front entrance.
Visitors are encouraged to book free tickets in advance via the Castle Point Active events page. The full programme of free and paid activities is set out there.
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