Access to Leisure

What is it?

Access to Leisure (ATL) is a Borough of Poole scheme that has been designed to provide people on low income and disability benefits with the opportunity of taking part in a variety of paid-for leisure and recreation activities.

 Why has it been introduced?

The Borough of Poole, in common with many other organisations, has a Mission.  That Mission is to “. . . work in partnership with the community, businesses and other organisations to deliver the Vision for Poole”.  The Council’s Vision for Poole is:

A beautiful place . . . to live, work and play . . .

that we take pride in passing on to future generations

 The Council also has a set of seven core values that are fundamental to everything it does and which guide policy formulation and decision making.  One of these core values is Equality of Opportunity.

 In its Leisure Strategy published in 1996 one of the Council’s five strategy statements is :

 

“Achieving objectives in a way that puts people first, delivers equality of opportunity and promotes Poole.”

 More specifically, the Leisure Strategy stated that the Council would “Introduce a Passport to Leisure scheme which gives discounts to individuals who are financially disadvantaged”.

 How does it work?

ATL is a membership scheme.  The annual fees are:

 

·    

Over 16 years

£2.50

·    

Under 16’s

£2.00

·    

Family Membership

(certain benefits only)

£4.00

·    

Under 3’s

Free

 Eligibility to join the scheme is primarily linked to the State Benefits system and place of residence.  Effectively anyone who lives in the BH postal code area and who is in receipt of an eligible benefit (list included on the application form/leaflet) can join the scheme.

 Annual membership cards are issued which when presented at participating venues or facilities enable the holder to the ATL discount.

 Where can it be used?
Access to Leisure discount is offered at:

·     Alexandra Park Bowling Club

 

·     Ashdown Leisure Centre

 

·     Branksome Park Bowling Club

 

·     Broadstone Bowling Green

 

·     Dolphin Swimming Pool

 

·     East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

 

·     Rossmore Leisure Centre

 

·     Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

 

·     Poole Park Bowls Club

·     Poole Park Tennis Courts and Crazy Golf

 

·     Waterfront Museum

 

·     Youth Afloat Festival

 

 What is the discount?

The discount offered at all of the participating venues is up to 75% off the standard charges (with a minimum charge of 50p).  This includes equipment hire, season tickets where applicable, courses and normal activity charges.

 How many members are there?

The current membership is around 5,000.  Approximately 60% of these are family members with the remainder having individual membership.

 Last Updated: July 2003

Leisure Services

MG/R/10/1