Hydrotherapy Pool construction begins

Construction of the much-awaited Hydrotherapy Pool will begin this Thursday 25 February at Hamilton City Council’s public pool complex, Waterworld.

At a ceremony onsite to mark the occasion, Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock and Hamilton Hydrotherapy Pool Trust chairman David Peart will together turn the first sod. Invited guests include up to a hundred Trust members, local dignitaries and funders who helped make the project happen.

The successful construction company will also be introduced on the day with the project expected to by completed in late 2010.

Put really simply, hydrotherapy is all about using heated water for pain-relief and treating illness. For those who need it, water set at a steady temperature of 33-35 degrees celsius relieves pain, reduces anxiety, relaxes stiff muscles, helps damaged joints move better, strengthens muscles, improves blood flow and improves balance and co-ordination.

Because of the comfort and relaxation hot water gives you, hydrotherapy benefits a lot of different people, including children and babies.

Leisure facilities manager Jason Rogers says, “until now Hamilton has had no public facility which is suitable for hydrotherapy. As part of the city’s Long-term Plan, Hamilton City Council committed $180,000 in 2006 to have a hydrotherapy pool designed for Waterworld. Council has also agreed to contribute up to two thirds of the funding required to construct the $2m pool. At the same time we really value the hard work the Hamilton Hydrotherapy Trust continues to do to raise the project’s profile and fundraise significantly for its construction.”

Trust spokesperson David Peart says, “we’re starting this year with anticipation and excitement as we look forward to the building of this long-awaited and much needed facility. The Trust is grateful for the many people and organisations involved in the project this year. We hope many will celebrate with us as the first sod is turned.”

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock thanked the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust for their efforts to raise funds.

“The efforts of the Trust to raise funds mean the city will now get the benefit of what will become a highly valued new asset. It has been a big job in difficult circumstances but many people with restricted mobility will gain immeasurably from the Trusts efforts.”