FAMILIES have given their thumbs-up to the new-look Holme Pierrepont Country Park as it opened for the first time.
The open weekend was held after a year of work on the site following Holme Pierrepont Leisure Trust taking over the day-to-day running of the site.
There has been a £6.7 million revamp of the centre, with new activities including an outdoor Laser Tag game, Segway hire and a 'skywalk'.
Barney Wainwright, 41, from West Bridgford, was among those visiting the new café for the first time yesterday.
He said: "My first impressions are that it's really nice – a much bigger café, more things to do, it's great.
"I think the Segway tours are a fantastic idea – having activities both on and off the water mean there's something for everyone."
And youngsters said they couldn't wait to have a go on the skywalk.
Edward Tew, 8, from Lady Bay, said: "It looks really cool to go up high and walk on the wobbly steps."
Brother Sam, 10, added: "It's good there's more for young people to do here now rather than just walking and a small park."
The centre has the backing of Olympic gold-medal canoeist Etienne Stott, who trains at the site.
"It's really nice that people can come down and watch world-class athletes at the centre as well as enjoying themselves," he said.
Brian Taylor, chairman of the trust, said: "We are thrilled that the improvements we have made so far in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council are having such a positive impact and that the changing of the name of the centre has been so well received.
"We hope that with the introduction of the new family fun park and the park itself continues to attract more local people and visitors from further afield as a family destination day out."
John Knight, culture committee chairman at the county council, said the weekend was "the latest exciting chapter for the National Water Sports Centre, as it also prepares for another busy summer season."
NEW management took over the running of the National Water Sports Centre in March last year.
It followed a decision by Notts County Council to select the Pierrepont Leisure Trust to manage, operate and maintain the site at Holme Pierrepont through a £6.7 million investment package over the next 21 years, including a £1.6 million contribution from the council.
The centre cost the county council around £350,000 a year to run – and up to £800,000 from this year after Sport England stopped its funding.
As a result, the authority was keen to see help from outside and the deal with the Trust has led to the creation of 21 jobs.
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