VISIONS Leisure Centre in Cumnock is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the town.

The facility opened back in October 2004 and has been run ever since by Cumnock and District Leisure Group.

Cumnock & District Leisure Group was created after a public meeting in Spring 1996 at Cumnock Town Hall to propose the building of an indoor swimming pool.

The town was once famous for its bustling outdoor pool, with its closure coming shortly before Visions opened.

Visions Leisure Centre is 20!Visions Leisure Centre is 20! (Image: Visions Leisure Centre) Eric Prydz’s - Call On Me was number one in the charts and Shark Tale was a box office hit when the facility opened with support from East Ayrshire Council.

Following on from the original public meeting in 1996, the group started seven years of heavy fundraising within the community, achieving £2.3 million of funds to complete the centre and officially form Cumnock & District Leisure Group in 1999.

The centre officially opened on October 9, 2004 and four of the original fundraising group still have active roles on the board, aiming to ensure that Visions Leisure Centre is an invaluable, community-led, facility for both locals and visitors alike.

READ MORE: Cumnock leisure centre struggling with costs as council offers support

Speaking about the momentous occasion, Kaye Hannah, chair of Cumnock & District Leisure Group, said: “It is quite an achievement to have been running for 20 years and we are looking forward to doing so for a further 20 years and beyond.

"We have had many ups and downs but always do our best and continue to provide a health and leisure complex for the public.

"During the pandemic we were the last to close and first to open and were happy to keep the centre open with many difficulties.

"We look forward to the renovations, improved boilers, swimming liners, gym equipment and opening hours."

The opening ceremony from 2004.The opening ceremony from 2004. (Image: Visions Leisure Centre) Kaye added: "Huge thanks to East Ayrshire Council's depute chief executive Richard Grieveson and members of East Ayrshire Council who believed in us as a community group and enabled us to renew our partnership for the next five years.

"Also, a massive thank you to board members past and present, Anne Hendry and her amazing staff at Visions Leisure centre, it would not be possible without you.

"Please pay us a visit soon to celebrate”.

READ MORE: Earlier opening times could be on the cards at Cumnock's leisure centre

To celebrate, Visions we will be offering a free fun swim on Friday, October 11 from 6pm-7pm.

They will also be running a £1 child swim sessions from October 14-18 at various times.

More information can be found on the Visions Leisure Centre Facebook page and website.