Pool filling as opening date decision nears
THE new stateoftheart Wanaka Pool is nearing completion, with the opening date set to be announced following next Thursday’s Wanaka Community Board meeting.
The tap was turned on for the first time yesterday to fill the main eightlane 25m lap pool, in what is the final stage of construction.
The lap pool will feature timing touch pads at both ends, premium starting blocks, an accessibility ramp, and a soft rubberlike lining.
Queenstown Lakes District Council sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick said while the pool would not meet FINA regulations, the design would be ‘‘really good for the future’’.
Council aquatic manager Angie Hopkinson told the Otago Daily
Times she had met with the local swim club, and believed they were ‘‘excited’’ and ‘‘supportive’’ of the new pool.
Mrs Hopkinson also believed the inclusion of the ramp would make the pool accessible to all members of the community.
The facility will also feature a learntoswim pool, a toddler pool, and a hot tub, while there will also be poolside showers, lockers and management offices.
Mr Battrick said the council wanted to place emphasis on ‘‘having fun’’ at the new facility.
‘‘One of the things we’re looking at trying to do is a regular Sunday fun day sort of thing so that kids and families can come down on a cold winter’s day and go swimming with some fun inflatables and toys and various other things, rather than just [having] a lap pool.’’
Mrs Hopkinson said the facility could expand in the future.
There was still a lot of room for the development of further recreational facilities, according to Mr Battrick, and he said the council would engage with the community over the next year to ‘‘get a really good understanding about what the community needs are’’.
Council spokesman Sam White said prices for the pool would be the same as at Alpine Aqualand in Frankton.
A 12month membership would cost $399 for an adult, $209 for a senior, $179 for a child, while a 10visit concession card would cost $65.