infonews.co.nz
INDEX
SWIMMING

Council Calls for Public Input into Pool Plan

Friday 21 January 2011, 11:39AM

By Hastings District Council

258 views

HASTINGS

With four weeks to go until submissions close, Hastings people are reminded that they have the chance to tell Council what they want for the future of their community pools.

Council approved a Draft Aquatic Strategy at the Policy and Strategy in December, which addresses the problem of aging pools across the District.

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 who are funded with an annual operating grant from Council.

Members of the public are invited to two workshops at Hawke’s Bay Opera House on to share their views on the strategy. Two workshops will be held at Hawke’s Bay Opera House on Thursday, January 27 – one from 11am-12pm and a second from 7pm- 8pm.

Online submissions can also 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, because of this, increasingly struggle to comply 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 to address capacity issues and fill the geographical gap in Central and Southern Hastings.

Policy and Strategy chair Ru Collin says it’s important Council consult widely on this strategy as it has an effect on our whole community.

“Even if you’re not a swimmer, an aquatic-sports player or parent this strategy affects all ratepayers. All Hastings residents should take notice and have their say on this,” Cr Collin says.

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

Submissions close on Friday, February 18 at 5pm.