Atlantis celebrates landmark anniversary in style
It was all go at Atlantis Leisure as the centre celebrated its 25th birthday and the opening of the new under-fives playpark, complete with pirate ship Salty-Dog. Along for the fun were Friends of Oban Playpark, Oban Sea Cadets and sponsor Scottish Sea Farms.
OBAN’S Atlantis Leisure centre celebrated its 25th birthday with a huge party on Saturday.
Among the highlights were 30 birthday cakes and a Salty Dog in the newly opened under-fives playpark.
Hundreds joined the fun, and tasted the array of sporty cakes in the shape of rugby pitches, tennis courts and swimming pools, complete with blue jelly for water, marzipan bathers and flumes, judged by Heinz Bossard, Brenda Macleod, Paul Lopez and Helen MacKechnie.
‘I am feeling a bit sick but it was worth it,’ Helen said, paying tribute to everyone’s ‘amazing’ effort.
In a crowded hall, Atlantis Leisure’s retiring mascot Alf handed over to the new face of the Oban’s leisure centre, Leo the Lion, whose name stands for Let’s Exercise Oban, designed in a competition by Aimee Didcock of Rockfield Primary School.
Atlantis Leisure’s chairman Neil Matheson introduced a surprise dance by local children, and encouraged donations to help renovate the centre’s dated changing rooms. Mr Matheson praised the efforts of Friends of Oban Community Playpark, which has raised over £334,000 to build the two all-inclusive playparks and a magical garden. ‘It just shows what a community like Oban can do,’ he said.
Before the grand opening of the new under-fives playpark, the name of the boat was unveiled as the Salty-Dog, suggested by Caley D’Arcy and chosen by public vote. Runners-up were Lucy Danks, Alexander MacCuish and Emily Mackintosh.
Friends’ delighted treasurer Kathleen Lafferty said: ‘The great thing is to see children back out playing. The old playpark got condemned in 2014 so it has been a long time coming.’
Chairwoman Lyndsay Elliott added: ‘Some of the children on the under-fives playpark were not even born when we started fundraising.’
Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Fund co-funded both the Salty-Dog and the Scallywag boat in the over-fives playpark to the tune of £30,068, saying: ‘It has been a pleasure to work with such a committed group that has shown such tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit, resulting in a project that has brought a community together and a leaving a legacy that can be enjoyed for many years.’
Praising the ‘dedication, professionalism and drive’ of Atlantis’ staff over the quarter century, its first chairman Hugh McLean, reflected: ‘The building was our vision and the people who have taken it on have done a wonderful job, looking after the building but also developing the facilities, which are such an asset to the community, not just to locals but to also to tourists. It brings a lump to the throat.’