Readers of the Welwyn Hatfield Times have crowned Birchwood Leisure Centre in Hatfield as the winner of our 2024 Your Favourite Gym Award.
The facility is managed by Hatfield Town Council, which is responsible for 25 parks and play areas, five sport pitch locations, four community halls and a leisure centre, which includes the community gym that readers have voted as the best in the area.
A spokesperson for the gym said: “As a community council, our focus is on providing facilities where all parts of the community feel welcomed and a sense of ownership.
"This award means so much to us because its voted on by the community and confirms we have the right priorities. We are proud of the staff that work here, and all our gym members who have contributed to a supportive environment.”
The gym decided to dedicate the win to a beloved member who recently passed away.
Ralph Hentall was a regular at the gym and the award has been dedicated to him and his wife Joan.
Ralph lived a memorable life, working as a magistrate, fireman and prison officer during a long career. He was also a competitive powerlifter - a skill he honed at the community gym.
The only way seems to be up from here for the gym, with renovations set to take place this summer.
Staff are keen to act on community demand for dedicated boxing and martial arts spaces, two sports that are both on the rise.
The popular community space beat competition from Elite reformer Pilates, Norton Gym, Renegade Fitness and The Training Zone to take the crown.
Birchwood Leisure Centre joins our list of Your Favourite award winners, which includes Your Favourite Beauty Salon winner Serenity in Potters Bar, and Your Favourite Pub winner The Woodman Inn in North Mymms.
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