Last say for Aquatic strategy submissions

People wanting to have their say on Hastings aquatic strategy have until Friday to get submissions to council.

Council has approved a Draft Aquatic Strategy on the future of the four community pools in Hastings and is currently asking for input from the district’s residents.

Only 22 submissions have been received ahead of Friday’s closing date (5pm).

The Draft Strategy focuses on the four public pools owned by Council: Frimley Aquatic Centre, Clive War Memorial Pool, Flaxmere Waterworld and Havelock North Village Pool.

These facilities are currently operated by three Trusts which are funded with an annual operating grant from Council.

Online submissions can be made at http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/draft-aquatic-facilities-strategy/feedback

An asset review undertaken in 2009 found all four pools are aging and have difficulty complying with modern compliance standards.

The review also identified a lack of capacity for programmes and casual swimmers as an increasing problem across all the Hastings facilities, while at the same time public expectations of services is increasing.

The Draft Strategy, based on the review, recommends Council upgrade all four pools at a cost of $5.7million over seven years.

It also considers building a new 25m-long district pool in 2018 to address capacity issues and fill the geographical gap in Central and Southern Hastings.

The draft strategy is available on request by calling Council on ph. 871 5000 or by visiting http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/draft-aquatic-facilities-strategy