Numbers on the rise for aquatic centre

Visitor numbers at the Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre are on the rise with users attending for physiotherapy sessions, triathlon training, school visits and even a charity fashion show.

Pool staff commented that visitors are using the facility for a wide range of fitness and leisure activities and that generally people have been very positive about the Aquatic Centre, which opened earlier this year. Council’s Turangi Service Centre Manager John Campbell said, “Suggestions for improvements of the facility are welcomed and will be considered and incorporated where possible.”

One frequent suggestion has been to increase the opening hours. In response to this, from December 2008 – January 2009 the facility will be extending its hours. Due to cost reasons, at this stage the centre’s hours cannot be extended permanently.

Down at the Aquatic Centre this summer, the team are introducing a number of promotions and events including a New Years Day ‘Family Fun Afternoon’, ‘Summer Fun’ sessions through January 2pm-4pm with obstacle courses and activities, and a ‘Back to School’ dance party on 5th February. The centre is also supporting the Water Safety NZ promotion, assisting local kids to adopt safe water practices.

The pool has not only impressed locals, but visitors as well. The Turangi/Tongariro Community Board have received compliments from visiting communities on the vision and achievement of providing such a high quality facility for Turangi.

The Aquatic Centre is now almost complete with the last major construction task - the installation of solar heating panels – to kick off mid-January and due to be finished by mid-February.