NZ’s first water screen installed at QEII Park

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MEDIA RELEASE 20 September 2007

New Zealand’s first water screen installed at QEII Park

New Zealand’s first water screen is being installed at QEII Park this month.

The 10-metre wide screen – a cascade of water that forms a tactile visual display screen on which to project imagery – will be launched on 29 September, says Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Manager John Filsell.

“This is an incredible pioneering feat – not only is it the first water screen in New Zealand, it is one of the first of its kind in the world.”

He says the water screen forms part of a suite of new digital enhancements at QEII which will return the facility to its status as a state-of-the-art aquatic facility and offer Christchurch residents a recreational experience not yet seen in New Zealand.

The screen in the Atlantis Wave Pool will be used to screen movies, videos and sporting events, customers being entertained while they enjoy being active in the pool.

“Every half hour, Poseidon, the god of the sea will emerge from the water to call forth the wave. Swimmers will be able to enjoy a spectacular lighting and visual effects show that re-enacts the destruction of Atlantis and the wave begins to roll.”

Mr Filsell says the water screen will also be used for the screening of movies, music videos and to provide swimmers with live feeds of other sporting events – national and international – happening within QEII Park.

From the end of September, visitors to QEII will also be treated to a visual feast of imagery as they walk through the complex. Five 40-inch LCD screens at the entrance to the aquatic facility will create a Walk of Fame, profiling top Canterbury sportspeople, the history of QEII and the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

“The screens will also be able to be used for live feeds from sporting events happening at the Park.”

He says the digital enhancements will also be used in the hydroslides to enhance the ride experience.

“From the end of this month, sound and lighting effects will be installed in the Terror Tube, while the Titan will have a water screen and projected imagery incorporated in the ride. The rides will be themed and random.”

Mr Filsell says the enhancements are part of providing Christchurch with world-class aquatic facilities.

ENDS

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