Access Award for Keith Spry Pool

Keith Spry Pool in Johnsonville was recently presented with a SportsAccess Award from the Halberg Trust.

It is only the fourth aquatic facility in New Zealand to get this award.

The award was granted within a year of the Council launching an Accessible Wellington Action Plan for the city.

The Council's Social Portfolio Leader, Councillor Stephanie Cook, says this award means Wellington is on the right track.

Keith Spry Pool has wheelchair access into the pool and a chair lift into the spa pool, as well as accessible shower and toilet facilities and mobility parks.

Pool staff also had customer service training that includes helping people with a range of needs - not just physical barriers.

"This is what our action plan is all about," says Cr Cook.

"We're part of the global trend that promotes accessibility no matter what - whether you have a physical impairment, a temporary injury, you're a mental health consumer, or a senior citizen.

"As a Council, we're working hard to spread this mentality throughout our services, and I hope we're inspiring other organisations and businesses in the city to do the same."