Tuesday 11 November 2014

Three summer pools make a comeback

This summer’s pool party season will be the biggest in years, with three favourites – Waltham Pool, Lyttelton’s Norman Kirk Memorial Pool and theScarborough paddling pool – opening for the first time since the 2011 earthquakes.

These pools will join Jellie Park, Halswell and Templeton as the 2014/15 summer pool season hits. Festivities officially begin on Saturday 15 Novemberwith the opening of the Jellie Park and Halswell pools, with Templeton Pool following on Saturday 6 December.

Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Unit Manager John Filsell says there’s extra cause for celebration this year.

“The Council’s Facilities Rebuild team has pushed hard to reopen these three biggies in time for the summer season, so we’re thrilled to be able to include Waltham and Lyttelton pools in the party season. They’ll be a bit of a present to these communities that have been without for nearly four years, and the welcome-back parties are a thank-you for their patience and support.”

Show Weekend sees the city’s paddling pools opening for the summer, including New Brighton Whale Pool, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, AbberleyPark, Edgar MacIntosh Park, Spencer Park and Woodham Park. The paddling pool at Scarborough will follow before Christmas.

Sponsors MORE FM and Streets will be at each party with giveaways, competitions and prizes to keep the kids entertained. Details of all the summer pool parties will be broadcast on MORE FM (92.1FM).

For opening hours, prices, and further information on the Summer Pool Parties please visit www.ccc.govt.nz/outdoorpools

Norman Kirk Memorial Pool
The anticipated December opening date for Lyttelton’s Norman Kirk Memorial Pool has been revised to 23 January 2015. The delay has been due to more-complex-than-expected ground conditions, with 400 cubic metres of ground needing to be dug out and replaced. The Lyttelton Lives On pool party will be held on Saturday 28 February.

Waltham Pool
This popular summer facility caters for a wide section of the community, with more than 17,000 people using it each summer before its closure in February 2011. Repairs are currently underway and the pool will reopen on 12 January 2015, with the Welcome Back Waltham party following onSaturday 18 January.

Scarborough paddling pool
This beloved favourite, which has been a familiar sight on Sumner’s seaside landscape, is scheduled to have reopened by Christmas. The Sumner Hub community group is leading a fundraising programme to find the extra money necessary to add some finishing touches to the pool, including seating, a shade-sail and trees and plants. The community will host an opening event on Saturday 20 December.

Halswell Aquatic Centre
This popular pool will open as normal – however, construction of the new Halswell Library and Community Facility taking place adjacent means that the toddlers’ pool will remain closed for the summer and temporary changing facilities will be in use. The new facility is scheduled to open in November 2015 and incorporates the existing pool into its design.

Summer Pool Party Schedule
• Sunday 23 November
Season Opener, noon–3pm, Jellie Park
• Saturday 13 December
Jellie Park’s 50th Birthday Bash, noon–3pm, Jellie Park
• Saturday 18 January
Welcome Back Waltham, noon–2pm, Waltham Pool
• Sunday 8 February
Farm Yard Fun, noon–3pm, Halswell Aquatic Centre
• Wednesday 18 February
Mums and Bubs, 10am–noon, Waltham Pool
• Saturday 28 February
Lyttelton Lives On, noon–2pm, Norman Kirk Memorial Pool
• Sunday 22 March
Final Splash Down, noon–4pm, Jellie Park

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