Ongar Leisure Centre Ongar, Chipping Ongar

Reviews

1. O JK ★★☆☆☆

   Gym could be considered as a youth club before 7pm. Gym has been overrun with large amounts of teenage boys who stand around the weight equipment chatting. This makes the small space inaccessible to anyone else. This could be improved by limiting the amount of kids allowed in the adult space. As an adult paying the adult membership fee, now I cannot go and enjoy myself as the kids are prioritized. Moreover, in other gyms female only hours are utilized so that women feel comfortable using weight equipment. Wish this gym would adopt this. Giving stars as the Staff are very friendly and the equipment is clean.

   almost 10 months ago
2. beth bouchareb ★☆☆☆☆

   Money grabbing “gym”. Paid for a multi centre gym membership to then be told months later no you are only signed up to one gym in ongar , if you want to change we’ll sign you to just Epping but at an increased price (side note Epping gym isn’t even a gym it’s a sports hall with scattered machines for £47 a month). We did this and due to unforeseen circumstances we had to use ongar for the last week which they allowed for a few days due to being long term customers but a new member of staff who we haven’t seen before refused it. Understandable it’s her job and we are signed up to Epping but she did not have to tell us to never come here again and don’t come here if you don’t like it when we tried to explain our situation. Also- concerning the price increase and the removal of the multi centre membership without our knowledge - surely this isn’t legal. Surely there has to be something in a contract that has to give us notice. I’ve also heard of other people having this issue with their multi centre memberships now being changed without knowledge and an increased price to just one centre. Absolutely disgusting for a community gym. Perhaps if it was actually a good gym where you didn’t have to constantly wait for people to get off machines, and where staff aren’t rude you wouldn’t mind paying that price. The gym has now lost two customers , and while this won’t affect it I hope other people see they are being absolutely fleeced and follow suit.

   almost 10 months ago
3. K CG ★★★★★

   If you haven’t yet had the life-changing privilege of visiting Ongar leisure center, then let me tell you: you’re missing out on witnessing the sheer excellence that is Charley Kennerly, the guardian angel of the deep end. From the moment I stepped into the humid chlorinated temple that is the leisure centre pool, I could feel his presence—a calming, watchful force perched atop the lifeguard chair like a majestic eagle in red shorts. His whistle? Sharp. His gaze? Hawk-like. His commitment to water-based safety? Unmatched. Not only does he ensure not a single child jumps in the shallow end without appropriate warning, but he also offers sage-like nods of encouragement to nervous swimmers and perfectly timed "no running" reminders to over excited kiddies. Rumor has it, if you slip on a wet tile, he’ll catch you before you hit the ground—with a towel. I've personally never felt safer near a body of water. A national treasure. No.. a global treasure. Honestly, the leisure centre should just rebrand around him. “Swim under Charley’s watchful eye,” the posters should say. Because truly, under his surveillance, not even a rogue inflatable ring dares misbehave. 10/10. Would nearly drown just to be saved by him again. I long for the day this man gives me mouth to mouth.

   1 year ago

1. Mark Horak ★★★★★

   I visited the swimming pool at the weekend with my kids for family splash, we had a great time and were looked after particularly by a lifeguard called Charley who went above and beyond to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable time.

   1 year ago
2. Ms. E. ★★★★★

   This is a fantastic facility for the local community. The range of amenities, from the well-maintained swimming pools to the modern gym and fitness classes, is impressive. The staff is not only friendly but also knowledgeable, offering guidance and support for all fitness levels. What sets this leisure centre apart is its commitment to inclusivity, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. It's a place where families, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for a fun, active day out can all feel at home. The cleanliness and overall organisation of the centre are noteworthy, creating a positive experience for every visit. This is a true asset to the community, promoting health, wellness, and enjoyment for all. I highly recommend it!

   almost 2 years ago
3. Noel Vid ★★☆☆☆

   It's a nice quiet pool and well maintained. However my reason for 2stars is the pool temperature if the water. the minimum pool temperature for babies under 12lbs should be a recommended 32 degrees... Cold swimming pools can cause hyperthermia in babies. The staff assured me the pool was warm enough for babies as they have lessons there, but I got a temperature reading of 28!... After 15mins my baby was shivering. I think it's dangerous to state the pool is warm enough, when all documents online state absolutely no less than 30 degrees. I understand that in this economic environment the temperature will need to be reduced However it shouldn't be at the expense of safety.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Kevin Phillips ★★★★★

   Since being refurbished last year, it feels fresher, cleaner and less cluttered, especially in and around the swimming pool viewing area. There are now seats both inside the swimming pool area, as well as in the viewing area so you can choose where to sit. Haven't been in the gym area yet, but if it's had the same kind of makeover the reception has, I'm sure it'll look great.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Sushma Rose ★★★★★

   Fantastic leisure centre, with a gym that I actually feel comfortable going into. It feels warm and friendly, as opposed to cold and clinical. No long mirrors to pose in front of!! Love Raquel. So happy to help.

   almost 4 years ago
3. Jim Tes ★☆☆☆☆

   Not sure what happened to this place but it looks like it's being run by a bunch of incompetent and greedy lot The staff are doing what they can and they're always helpful but everything else is pretty bad You just have to go to the changing rooms and you'll throw up, mould, paint coming off the walls, dirt everywhere And why is the water so cold????? I take my kids there for the swimming lessons and they're shaking every time they come out of the pool plus they have a cold the next day!! Get it sorted or get rid of the management/directors, they're clearly useless

   almost 4 years ago

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