A Cool Makeover For Swimming Centre

The Napier Aquatic Centre is being transformed into an even more family-friendly complex with a new splash park to open at the complex later in the swimming season.

A water play park being developed at the heart of the aquatic centre encompasses the area formerly occupied by an obsolete outdoors pool. The master plan provides for hard and soft landscaping elements which will totally revamp the entire area.

A major feature of the development will be a zero-depth spray park furnished with imported “toys” such as water jets and fixed aqua balls, umbrellas and bows designed to spurt water. Three sand volleyball courts are to be relocated from the site of the new Plunket Centre in Onekawa Park, elevating the sport’s profile in the city and making it more accessible to a wider public.

Barbecue facilities will also be renewed, encouraging families to make a day of outings to the centrally-located swimming complex.

The Napier City Council is part-funding the project from last year’s capital reserve. Future plans provide for an upgrade of the building housing the aquatic centre’s original 25m indoor pool – work that is scheduled for next year.