MAKING A SPLASH
Ōtaki Pool to reopen
Otaki ¯ Pool’s new water-play splash pad is expected be a major drawcard to the complex, which reopens next week – in time for the predicted hot, dry summer ahead.
The pool has been closed since March while undergoing a $5.4 million redevelopment – one of four key projects in Ka¯ piti Coast District Council’s 2015-2035 Long Term Plan.
The complex attracts just over 50,000 visitors annually but this number is expected to increase significantly.
It is expected to pull in people from across Ka¯piti and Horowhenua, with the nearest splash pads at Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach and at Palmerston North’s Lido Aquatic Centre.
The redevelopment also included rebuilding the pool hall, replacing solid walls with windows and glass doors to increase the natural light inside the building, adding acoustic panelling on the ceiling to reduce noise, enhancing the entrance and reception area, as well as installing a ramp leading into and out of the main pool.
Operational upgrades had been made to water filtration systems and air flow handling to improve the temperature inside the building. Water for the splash pad would be recycled through filters and then recirculated.
Council recreation services
"With the new splash pad and enhanced pool environment, it will be much nicer ... There’s certainly a lot of people ... excited about it." Brent Harvey, of Ka¯ piti Coast District Council
manager Brent Harvey said people would be able to use the splash pad, picnic area and the pool’s changing rooms for free, and pay if they wanted to use the main pool or spa.
‘‘With the new splash pad and enhanced pool environment, it will be much nicer for swimmers and spectators. There’s certainly a lot of people out in the community excited about it.’’
Community input helped in the design for the new splash pad, with more than 400 people providing feedback through online surveys, paper forms and face-to-face chats with the council’s aquatics staff.
‘‘What we’ve ended up with is amazing,’’ Harvey said.
O¯ taki Pool’s reopening will be celebrated on December 16 with a free pool party, featuring entertainment, pool inflatables, a dunk tank and a prize draw.