Prices for swimming at Wanaka Recreation Centre (WRC) are increasing from 1 July 2019 bringing them in line with current prices at Alpine Aqualand, the district’s other main council-managed aquatic facility located at Queenstown Events Centre.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) approved changes to a range of community services fees and charges in December 2018 following a review of its Community Facilities Funding Policy (CFFP).

This was the first such review since 2011 and covered venue hire, cemeteries and aquatic facilities with the aim of future-proofing these key community services during a period of rapid population growth.

The same price increases were introduced at Alpine Aqualand on 1 March 2019 but QLDC deferred changes at WRC given that prices there were adjusted when the new, three-pool aquatic facility opened in June 2018 to replace the old Wanaka Community Pool.

Simon Battrick, QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager, said the new pricing was focused on some increases to adult casual prices with minimal changes for children, seniors and beneficiaries.

“There will be no increases to children’s casual swim prices or memberships, only the ten-visit concession card for children which will still offer more than a 10 per cent discount on casual entry,” he said.

“Wānaka’s new pools have been hugely popular since opening nearly a year ago with currently around 10,000 visits each month. This compares to around 5,000 visits a month at the old pool. While we appreciate that any price increase will be felt by our customers, it’s important that pricing reflects the quality of our facilities, their operating costs and entry to other similar facilities around the district,” said Mr Battrick.

“All swim memberships and concessions at WRC will continue to be valid at other council-managed pools at Alpine Aqualand and Arrowtown Memorial Pool so people can enjoy swimming there at no extra cost.”

“We’re confirming these changes today to allow for the two-month notice period in our members’ contracts and also to give everyone in the community the opportunity to save on their swimming by extending or buying memberships at the current, lower rate in good time before 1 July,” said Mr Battrick.

As highlighted in December last year following the CFFP review, QLDC Swim School pricing at WRC will increase from $10.50 to $11.50 per lesson from Term 3, 2019 (the first term to begin after 1 July).

More information is available on the QLDC Sport and Recreation website and also from the customer services team at Wanaka Recreation Centre.

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