Aligned Leisure uses survey results to frame decisions on re-opening of facilities

In preparation for re-opening its facilities, Aligned Leisure has surveyed its members and customers to understand their concerns and expectations. 

Aligned Leisure, a subsidiary business of the Richmond Football Club operates 26 health and wellness facilities across Victoria and New South Wales.

In accordance with government restrictions, facilities closed their doors in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aligned Leisure has been working with its partners and stakeholders to re-open safely once restrictions ease, and with expectations of the community and facility members in mind.

Over 4000 people responded to the research survey, providing valuable insights relating to fitness facilities and services, and swim schools.

Overwhelmingly consumers want to return to activity, with 72% of fitness and sport, 61% of swim school respondents wanting to re-start immediately.

The responses indicated 20% of customers want more information on appropriate safety measures before they decide on returning to their fitness centre.

Swim school parents are a little more cautious, with 12% of respondents unlikely to immediately return to lessons.

Aligned Leisure Chief Executive, Shane Dunne advised “the research we’ve gathered will help us to frame our decisions in how we begin to operate our facilities again.

“Not only will this information help our partners and our facilities, we also want to share the insights with the broader industry as well, so that others can re-open safely for the community.

Respondents also said the most important safety measures customers want to see is appropriate limits on customers in areas of our facilities, followed by a range of sanitation and cleaning practices and increased lane space for teaching swimming.

Dunne added “we hear this feedback, and it will be included in our re-opening procedures. We want the community to feel safe and confident in using our facilities.”

Aligned Leisure has developed a COVID-19 information page on its website, with access to key research information.

For more information go to https://alignedleisure.com.au/covid-19/

Image of 24/7 gym at Cardinia Life. Aligned Leisure manages Cardinia Shire Council's major recreation facilities