Always on
This project successfully funded on 4th February 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Save Dalton Leisure Centre
Dalton-in-Furness, Westmorland and Furness, United Kingdom
£515
raised so far
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Aim
Save Dalton Leisure Centre from closure so our community can continue accessing affordable health, fitness and swimming.
Dalton Leisure Centre has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly four decades. The centre was not created by a large company or by the council — it was built through the determination of local people. A group of residents came together in the early 1980s to form the Dalton & District Charity Trust (Reg Charity Number 509901), secured a 99-year lease on the land, and began fundraising to give Dalton something it had never had before: a community leisure centre open to everyone.
After years of work, the doors finally opened on 18th September 1987, and we were honoured to be officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret. It was a moment of huge pride for the town — a celebration of what a community can achieve when it pulls together.
Since that day, Dalton Leisure Centre has continued to operate as a charity-run facility, not a business. Every membership, every fundraiser, every volunteer and every member of staff has helped keep the doors open for nearly 40 years.
During that time, the centre has supported thousands of people, including:
Children learning to swim — many of whom now bring their own children here.
Local schools — up to 20 schools rely on us for curriculum swimming lessons.
Older adults and vulnerable people, who rely on the gym, pool and classes to stay active, social and independent.
People recovering from injury or illness, who use our facilities for mobility, strength and rehabilitation.
Young people gaining their first job, training or lifeguard qualification.
Families on low incomes, who depend on affordable access to exercise and swimming.
Community groups including disability sessions, parent & baby swims, mental health referrals, Parkinson’s sessions and more.
We are the only leisure centre in Dalton, and without us, thousands of adults, children and schools would lose access to essential health, wellbeing and life-saving swimming education.
But after decades of rising costs, ageing equipment and increases in energy bills, Dalton Leisure Centre is now facing the real possibility of closure. This is a crisis we have never faced before.
If the centre closes, our community loses:
The only public swimming pool in Dalton
School swimming for hundreds of children every term
Safe, affordable exercise opportunities for all ages
Support for vulnerable groups and those with health conditions
Local jobs, training and youth development opportunities
A community hub built by the town, for the town
We are launching this fundraiser because we urgently need to raise £50,000 to keep the centre open while we work with partners on long-term solutions. Every penny raised will go directly toward essential running costs such as energy, staffing and keeping the pool operational.
Dalton Leisure Centre was built by the community, opened by royalty, and sustained by local people for 37 years.
Now, we are asking for your help to save it.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made