Community drive brings reopening of Taradale swimming pool closer

Taradale principal Marty Hantz (left), Charlie Dragen, Taradale Community Pool Trust chair Brendon Rope (right), and trustees who have worked hard to reopen the Taradale pool. Photo / Warren Buckland

Although Taradale's only community pool has been sitting idle for the past year after being deemed unsafe, the community hasn't been - instead rallying to reopen a new, structurally sound swimming facility.

It was a year ago today the doors shut on the Greendale Pool at Taradale Primary School – affecting 3000 children and adults who took part in learn-to-swim programmes every year, the Greendale Swim Club, and placing Napier's other pools under pressure.

Since the community has been hard at work, with designs drawn up, support gathered, and funds found. This week, the Taradale Community Pool Trust - a registered charity - will present a business case to the Ministry of Education (MoE), which owns the land.

Trust chair Brendon Rope said it had not been easy getting to this stage, but locals were confident the project would go ahead once the MoE gave its approval.

"There was a period there when we felt it was unachievable and nearly got to the point of calling it quits," he said.

But the community drive means there is a proposed solution to the structural issues, a plan to secure funding and resources, and a long-term sustainable management programme.

The plan is to remove the current roof and steel frame of the pool building and replace it with better protected and structurally sound versions - with other ideas for the facility in the pipeline.

The total reopening cost was estimated at $550,000, but it is thought this could be brought down with local businesses committed to providing materials and services at reduced rates, or to do work pro-bono.

Mr Rope said while some details were still confidential, trust members were confident the business case stood a good chance.

"The result of the significant time and effort from such a diverse group of skilled, experienced and motivated people is a solid reopening and operationally sustainable solution for the pool."

The trust was confident its financial target would be reached well before the project gets the go-ahead, with a "significant" level of financial support already offered.

"We are still seeking financial support and the chair of our fundraising committee, Fraser Holland, will take calls from anyone willing to provide donations to the project," Mr Rope said.

He hoped the trust would hear back from the MOE in the coming months. Subject to the ministry's approval, the trust would manage the asset and contract an operator to manage the day-to-day running of the pool. The trust has an operator in mind but cannot disclose details, Mr Rope said..

Taradale Primary School principal Marty Hantz said reopening the pool would have a "massive positive impact" on the school's students and the community.

"We feel an obligation to give our kids the best possible swimming experiences and give them confidence in the water and that's been incredibly difficult to do."

Having been privy to trust members' work, Mr Hantz applauded their patience, perseverance and persistence.

"It's been a long, hard road for them."

The trust did not expect funds from the Napier City Council because it does not own the pool building or the land it sits on.

"In reality [the council] cannot commit ratepayer funds on a building project that they have no ownership stake in, particularly when they are rebuilding their own pool," Mr Rope said.

"What they can do is support community outcomes achieved from the pool, but that will only be possible once it is open and a submission is made."