Bay paddling pool will remain a ‘happy spot’

I have nothing but fond memories of happy hours spent in this delightful corner of the Bay.

It has served many generations of Timaru families and visitors well over the 60 years since it was opened in December 1961.

A stroll on a sunny evening this week saw me rediscover it again in its newly refurbished form after a recent renovation and relandscaping project costing some $151,000. It has to be said it was looking stunning.

A Facebook post from a few weeks ago drew many disappointed and cross comments about the loss of the deemed-to-be-dangerous waterfall feature and rocky mound it sat on. The fact that so many people commented shows the high regard this local feature has been held in.

While the waterfall has disappeared the softly rolling hillock in its place will be a useful sitting area with open views into the pool for parents and caregivers to sit and watch their charges enjoy the shallow pool, investigate the tiny lighthouse on its island, march across the little bridge and splash to their hearts’ content in this beautifully blue lagoon which to a small child will appear vast.

The shade sails are still in place providing much needed shade in these UV aware days and our upgraded paddling pool will carry on being a happy spot for our young families over the sunny summers ahead, one which our children and grandchildren will enjoy and remember as we all did.

To the side still stands the Robert Heaton Rhodes Sundial originally commissioned in 1919 to commemorate Mr Rhodes who was a generous benefactor of the Caroline Bay Association. Reputed to be Timaru’s first sundial it has been moved around a few times but is now quite settled here and is in good working order. There is an explanatory plaque to assist with reading the time and it is a source of curiosity for those interested.

‘‘I don’t count the hours unless they’re tranquil’’ is the translation of the Latin motto on the sundial and I think this is a great indicator of the many happy hours today’s users will spend at this fabulous little pool. – Karen Rolleston