Last day at ‘the Olympics’

Children enjoyed clambering over the inflatable playground at the Olympic Pool on Sunday. Entry to the complex was free on the pool’s last day as young and old came to mark the closing, 49 years after it opened in 1974. The new Kiwa Pools complex opens on September 2. Pictures supplied

An era ended at the Gisborne Olympic Pool on Sunday when the doors shut for the final time ahead of the opening of the new Kiwa Pools.

For some it was quite an emotional day.

The Olympic Pool closed just a month short of the 49th anniversary of its opening day on September 14, 1974.

“it was great to see so many people pop in for their final lengths or big splash over the weekend,” said the GDC in a post on its website.

Good numbers of people took advantage of the free entry.

For some of those who swam in the 50 metre pool for the final time it was a poignant occasion.

Among them was 62-year-old Kim Gregory who swam in the pool on the opening day in 1974 in her early teens and fondly remembers that day.

She secured a signature from Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jaynie Parkhouse, who swam the first lengths as part of the opening.

Ms Gregory represented Hawke’sBay/Poverty Bay in swimming, and has remained a regular swimmer at the complex to this day.

“I’m going to miss the pool,” she said on Sunday after her final swim.

“It’s always felt like being at home.

“I have a lot of fond memories about it; the people I’ve swum with and met there.”

As a teen she would leave her home in Stanley Road and bike down for training at 5.30am, six days a week.

“It’s quite emotional to see it close.”

The council has invited people to share their fond moments at “the Olympics”, with prizes and passes to the new Kiwa Pools up for grabs.

Go to https://participate.gdc.govt.nz/kiwa-pools

A final karakia was held at the Olympic Pool yesterday morning.

The Kiwa Pools opens on September 2.