Hydroslide complex proposed
A NEW set of hydroslides are expected to be a major drawcard for Invercargill.
Invercargill City Council staff will present a report at Monday’s community services committee meeting proposing to develop the multislide hydroslide at the Splash Palace complex.
Council aquatic services manager Peter Thompson said the slide system would be a major drawcard for Invercargill.
The $2.89 million standalone structure would stand 11m tall and deliver a ‘‘phenomenally different experience’’ to users of the venue, he said.
The new design incorporated three slides.
The first, at 101m long, was a raftslide which could accommodate up to two people; a second, 60mlong, slide would be suitable for all ages; and the third would be a 75mlong pitchblack slide looking to attract ‘‘thrill seekers’’ to the facility.
The multislide would be the tallest allweather, indoor slide with as many slide options, in the country, Mr Thompson said.
The council recognised the need to replace the existing 40yearold slide, which was originally situated at the old Queens Park pool, in its 2018 longterm plan.
The council adopted a plan in March to extend the existing tower with an additional slide.
The new revised plan for a standalone structure in the leisure area of Splash Palace would be safer and more efficient, Mr Thompson said.
‘‘Currently, the slide draws and returns water from the main pool. The volume of water being returned to the deep end of the main pool renders this end unusable for other pool users when the slide is in operation.
‘‘Safetywise, the slide’s location at the deep end of the pool adds operational risk with numbers of young children congregating in the limited space of the pool deck around the deeper water.’’
The slide would cost $6 for unlimited use per visit, and was expected to have an average of 1109 users per week.
The ‘‘wow factor’’ of the slide was anticipated to offset any barrier to uptake of the higher cost, Mr Thompson said.
‘‘This is the kind of project that really brings out the kid in you.
‘‘I’ll be lining up to have a go.’’ If the committee approved the complex, the final decision would be made by the full council. Mr Thompson said the slide would be opened as early as July next year.
The Dunedin City Council has budgeted $4 million for a new hydroslide at Moana Pool in 2020.