Push for pool has hopes up
Backers are hoping the phrase ‘‘third time lucky’’ rings true for the planned Motueka Swimming Pool.
The community’s latest push for a covered swimming pool is gaining ground as memories of the past two failed attempts fade.
Previous proposals included pools on the grounds of Parklands School and in Goodman Park.
Both plans failed to hold water.
The project would see the current Motueka high School pool covered and heated with new changing rooms and, eventually, an adjoining therapeutic pool added.
It is primarily a Good Sports Motueka project, led by Fred Hickling. Vision Motueka more recently stepped into the role of fundraising and public relations.
Vision Motueka chairman David Armstrong said the project received a recent funding boost with a $20,000 grant from Lotteries to pay for the feasibility study on the pool’s usage and its material design.
As the pool would be located on Ministry of Education grounds, agreements had to be developed with the Ministry and current swimming club users.
‘‘It’s now down to getting that on paper in the next month or so.’’
The views of the town’s residents also had to be canvassed.
‘‘We have no doubt that will fly through.’’ Fundraising was stepping up as more groups and individuals came out in support.
The Motueka Lions Club recently gave $15,000, Alan Atkins of Ray White real estate donated $1000, The Warehouse in Motueka has chosen the pool as a recipient project in it’s Bags for Good Neighbourhood project and the movie Absolutely Fabulous will screen at State Cinema Motueka next month with proceeds going to the pool.
Armstrong said he was also in discussion with interested tradespeople for ‘in-kind’ work, which could lower the final figure by thousands of dollars.
It was estimated the pool upgrade would cost between $800,000 and $1.2 million - with the therapeutic pool a further $100,000. It was hoped to raise around $400,000 from the community and the remainder from grants.