COLLECTING waste and recycling from our doorsteps is the most high profile service that district councils provide but now that we are in the middle of summer I thought I would mention some of the more recreational opportunities that this council offers.

Dursley Pool, in the south of the district, has reached its 21st birthday this year; and the Museum in the Park in Stroud has just obtained a prestigious accreditation.

These are just a couple of the facilities available.

There is much more to see and do and we’re keen to promote activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Over the last year more than 1,500 people have taken part in guided walks throughout the district and our successful bid for £200,000 Big Lottery Fund (a little over a year ago) made it possible for us to build play areas for children and young people across the district – the Stratford Park skate plaza, which has already had more than 1,000 users, and the Cam Boulder Circle, are just two examples.

In May, 60 youngsters with disabilities and special educational needs, attended Stroud’s third annual Sportsability Festival and our Activity Club for Everyone (ACE) was awarded the Gloucestershire Disability Sports Opportunity of the Year, last year.

Back in Dursley the junior fitness suite, with equipment sized specifically for the school-aged, is still one of few in the region.

Who knows? Perhaps it will help encourage future Olympic hopefuls? And on the subject of gyms, we have sports centres dotted around the district for everyone to use – without the need to commit to a membership.

Health and wellbeing is one of this council’s priorities and we are trying our best to deliver something for everyone. Whilst I have focused on the more physical pursuits, we also provide other leisure amenities such as the Sub Rooms and Stratford Park.

So if you have any free time this summer, are keen to explore the district, or want to improve you general fitness levels, there’s quite a bit on offer - as you can see, we do not just collect your rubbish.

You can find out more about the above activities and other recreational opportunities at www.stroud.gov.uk or by calling 01453 766321.

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