‘Ducks line up’ for Motueka pool plan
Backers of an indoor pool for Motueka are set to dive into fundraising as the project passes a crucial milestone.
The completion of an independent feasibility study and an agreement between the high school and the new pool operators paves the way for applications to national funders such as the Lottery Grants Board and Rata Foundation.
Community fundraising has so far accumulated more than $200,000 for the project to upgrade and cover the existing Motueka High School pool.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Ministry of Education is to gift the pool to the community through the management of Good Sports Motueka and sub-lease Good Sports the Wakatu-owned land.
After lots of work and negotiations, the ‘‘ducks are finally lined up’’, said Good Sports pool fundraising leader Fred Hickling.
‘‘Now the feasibility study is done and the school has signed it off, we know that there are other people in the wings who have indicated they will make big donations once we reach this point.’’
The immediate aim was to at least double the $200,000 of fundraising via approaches to local businesses and large donors for sponsorship, naming rights and in-kind financial support.
Principal John Prestidge said the high school was fast becoming a hub used by the whole community.
‘‘Having an improved pool facility that is used by the community will be really cool,’’ Prestidge said.
‘‘It used to be a community pool and was given to the high school many years ago, and we’ve used it and looked after it.
‘‘’’Now, it’s great to be able to give that back.’’
Prestidge acknowledged the hard work of the Good Sports committee.
‘‘It’s been a long road for them and it’s great to see real progress now and a finish line in sight for what will be a really cool facility here for the students and for the wider community.’’
The school’s pool operations and maintenance budget would remain the same but be paid to Good Sports as its contribution to operations.
Hickling said the usage plans would evolve over the first year after the pool was covered.