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Makino primed for new season

Thursday 27 November 2008, 10:52AM

By Manawatu District Council

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PALMERSTON NORTH

ALL systems are primed and ready – including 1.1 million litres of fresh water in the 50-metre pool – for the public opening of the Makino Aquatic Centre’s outdoor summer season on Saturday (November 29).


Contractors have completed a series of improvements and enhancements at the centre in preparation for the season, including the painting of the three outdoor pools and the installation of shade sails and extra handrails in the grandstand.


Concrete surrounds between the main pool and the grandstand were also lifted to allow new piping and the introduction of a safer, non-slip deck instead of the former pebble-deck surrounds.


MAC Manager, Iain Brown, said improved weather conditions allowed the contractors sufficient time to water-blast, prepare and paint the learners, toddlers and 50-metre pools in time for the opening weekend.


“There were up to six guys painting the main pool at the one time to avoid parts of the surface drying out or curing before the other sections,” he said. “Two coats were used and another day was spent in accurately applying the various line indicators.”


After allowing a few days for the paint to dry the 50-metre pool was then filled in just over 24 hours.


Mr Brown was pleased with the centre’s fresh new look and said the shade sails in one half of the grandstand would provide welcome relief for those users seeking shelter from the afternoon sun.


Long range weather forecasts are good and Mr Brown is hoping the upward trend in attendances in recent years would continue for the 2008-09 season.


The centre’s opening on Saturday will be preceded by a MAC-organised regional training class for aqua instructors from throughout the North Island.