Behind the Scenes: March ‘26
As the days begin to stretch and the first hints of spring creep in, it's been another packed couple of months at Atlantis - with community distance competitions, big milestones and a few essential ticks on the maintenance list. Here's what's been happening behind the scenes at your community-run, charity leisure centre:
Staff News - ‘the team behind the action’
It's been a bumper period for training and development. Scott, Kirsty, Kevin, Emma, Will, Rory and Ellie - joined by three participants from local organisations - all took part in the Developing My Leadership course delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy. This is a brilliant programme that gives participants the space and tools to reflect on their own leadership style and how they want to grow. Investing in our staff team is one of the most important things we do, and it's great to see so many of the team stepping up to that challenge.
Meanwhile, Kyle, Scott, Jonathan, Kirsty and Eddy have all completed their Pool Plant renewal course, refreshing a qualification that's fundamental to keeping our pool clean, safe and running to the highest modern standards. Well done to all!
Centre Life -‘know your building’
It’s been another busy spell behind the scenes as we continue to look after the building from top to bottom. In the gym, a brand-new mirror has been installed, giving the space a cleaner, brighter feel and restoring full functionality for our users. Our biomass system also received important attention, with new fire bricks fitted to improve insulation and boost overall efficiency as we moved through the colder months. And over in the pool hall, our team carried out a full flush of the gutter drains - a routine but essential part of keeping the pool’s circulation and filtration systems working smoothly. Each of these jobs may seem small on their own, but together they form part of the ongoing stewardship that keeps Atlantis running safely, efficiently and ready for everything the community requires of it.
Community Programme -‘going the distance‘
We’ve had a really special couple of months for community activity, with two major challenges particularly capturing Oban’s imagination.
Back in January, we launched the 50 Years in Motion: The Atlantis Challenge to mark the 50th anniversary of the swimming pool. The challenge saw staff and community invited to collectively complete 2,500km through walking, cycling, running and swimming. The response was amazing! - the community contributed 1,291.7km, the staff team an impressive 1,873.7km, bringing the combined total to a remarkable 3,165.4km: well over a thousand kilometres beyond our original target. Alongside the kilometres, the challenge also raised funds for new pool equipment and safety gear. Thank you to everyone who took part!
Then on the 21st of February, we hosted a Community Fun Day to launch the Clipper 6,500km Challenge, counting down to the Clipper Race's arrival in Oban in July. Bouncy castles, a boating-themed relay, a touch pool and face painting made for a fantastic atmosphere — and on day one alone, the community rowed and cycled an incredible 212km. We'll keep you posted as the kilometres mount up towards the summer!