Update on the Wanaka Pool

QLDC is moving quickly to consider all options relating to the closed Wanaka Community Pool, including the extent and cost of remedial strengthening work that would be required to reopen in the short term.

In the meantime, General Manager Operations Ruth Stokes said QLDC was finalising details with the Central Otago District Council so Wanaka residents could swim at the Cromwell pool for the same price as they would have paid in Wanaka, by producing proof of residence.

The intention was that pass holders could also use these at the Cromwell pool. Those arrangements should be firmed up within days. As well, the passes will be honoured at Alpine Aqualand in Frankton.

The Wanaka pool was closed on Friday after an engineering assessment confirmed that the building has a very low level of seismic capacity. QLDC took over management of the pool in 2010 from the Wanaka Community Pool Trust and became the building’s owner last year. It was originally built as the school pool for the adjoining Mt Aspiring College.

QLDC staff were already assessing options for upgrading the pool and adding a learners’ pool, before Friday’s closure. Another possibility under consideration is to build a completely new facility at the Three Parks site along with the new Wanaka Sports Facility. “We are continuing to evaluate the viability of those options,” Mrs Stokes said.

ENDS

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