Makino prepares for season

Makino Aquatic Centre’s outdoor facility is currently a busy work site as it undergoes a series of improvements and enhancements in preparation for the complex’s summer season opening next month.

Contractors have so far removed the concrete surrounds between the 50-metre pool and the grandstand for the installation of replacement piping and the introduction of a safer, non-slip deck.

MAC Manager, Iain Brown, said some leaks were discovered in the pipes during the site work, which also extended into an area behind the kiosk near the pool’s entrance.

“We also identified that the pebble-deck surrounds, which are more than 30 years old, were too shiny and many of the younger children were slipping over on them,” said Mr Brown, “so we’ve decided to put down a more economical and less slippery surface.”

Extra handrails, and a shade sail, for the grandstand are also being added, while a better-configured drainage system alongside the pool is to be implemented.

Mr Brown said the work was expected to finish later this month and allow painting contractors sufficient time to water-blast, prepare and paint the learners, toddlers and 50-metre pools for the summer opening on Saturday, November 29.

A highlight of opening weekend will be the appearance of more than 20 aqua instructors from as far afield as Wairoa, Napier, New Plymouth and Wellington for a MAC-organised regional training class for trainers.

The programme encompasses theory and practical work, with the instructors having to go through their paces in the deep water of the dive well.