Families turn out for fun in Napier's pool

Anaru Kahaki, with six-month-old daughter Constance Crown, who had her first swim Sunday at the Napier Aquatic Centre Spring Open Day

People from all walks of life descended on the Napier Aquatic Centre on Sunday for a day of fun in the water.

The Napier Aquatic Centre Spring Open Day, organised by the Napier City Council, invited people to have a say about the centre's expansion project and the three concept designs, which were released last month.

There was free entry between 11am and 2pm and council director of community services Antoinette Campbell says as soon as the charges at the door were dropped there was an influx of families.

Napier residents Mia Blas, 9, left, Selena Ounsworth and Arnica Blas, 8, along with Jennifer Bainbridge from Havelock North, chat with NCC staff about the Napier Aquatic Centre's expansion project while attending Sunday's Spring Open Day.

"It was a good day and everyone was having such a fun time. It was packed right the way through."

There were surveys for people to fill in, as well as the bombing competition, treasure hunt, lolly scramble and Aqua Run inflatable.

A major prize of vouchers worth $500 was won by Cherokee Birch.

The package includes things like a penguin encounter and trip to the National Aquarium.
"She was very stoked with it," Antoinette says.

During the day, council staff received hundreds of completed surveys, describing what people wanted in a new facility.

"After looking over a few it was clear that some sort of leisure and recreation activity was important to them," says Antoinette.

The council released three options last month - either an extension of the existing facilities costing $19.5 million, a 25m new build costing $37 million or a 50m new build costing $38 million.

All options include a new gym and health and wellness area but the new builds also feature a water play area which would have a beach access pool, new hydroslides, lazy river and bomb pool.

Antoinette says once the consultation process ends, the results will be compiled and a summary report submitted to the council.

A page has been set up on the council's website for people to share their views on the three options and to state which one they prefer and why.

Some of the latest comments show support for the 50m new build as people feel it will attract more opportunities in competitive swimming and draw more events to the Bay.

"For a million [dollar] difference over a 30-year lifespan then option 3 is the way to go," one person posted.

"Option one is just boring, would be no different to facilities now, need somewhere awesome for the kids to go, very exciting."

However, others are happy with the 25m new build and say not to get caught in the "50m pool hype".

Antoinette says the project is one thing people are excited about and staff are thrilled to be part of developing a new pool facility that will meet everyone's needs.

Information: napier.govt.nz/our-council/consultations/have-your-say/napier-aquatic-centre-expansion