Pool facilities act as community hub

CHB District Community Trust chairman Pat Gallagher at the AW Parsons Pool in Waipukurau, which has gone from strength to strength in the last 20 years. Photo/Duncan Brown

Central Hawke's Bay is well catered for swimming facilities with an indoor heated pool complex in Waipukurau, and an outdoor pool in Waipawa.

Although it faced opposition when first mooted in 1997, the AW Parsons Pool in Waipukurau is 20 years later a vital part of the community, offering not only swimming facilities but also a venue for local families to socialise, and a destination for travellers.

Before it was built, the only swimming facility in Waipukurau was an outdoor pool at Tavistock Rd, and the CHB District Community Trust was formed in 1994 in recognition of the need for a year-round facility in Central Hawke's Bay.

Surprisingly the concept of an indoor heated pool did not immediately enthuse the community, who could not visualise how it would be used and the potential it could have for future generations, said trust chairman Pat Gallagher.

Thanks to the hard work of an initial steering committee, however, who worked tirelessly fundraising through the likes of cake stalls and raffles, coupled with a contribution from the council of the day, the vision became a reality at the cost of $1.2 million.

"Their efforts were terrific and all the money was raised before building began," Mr Gallagher said.

Today a gym and stadium are adjoined to the pool facility that comprises a six-lane, 25 metre pool, a smaller learners' pool, and a toddlers' pool.

It's owned by the trust on behalf of the community, and the trust contracts the daily running of it to Aqua Management.

The CHB District Council provides about $200,000 to the trust per annum.

Aqua Management's Michele Hayes said from her point of view the model is a successful one, helped greatly by having the support of a proactive trust which invests in keeping the facility maintained and fit-for-purpose, and the community a whole.

"As a result, my staff are very proud of it and feel a sense of ownership."

Use of the pool has grown steadily - in the last year there were 75,683 swims.

The large pool is certified to national swimming competition standards, and as well as competitive meets is enjoyed by users of all ages taking part in anything from swimming sports to triathlons, learn to swim lessons, lifesaving lessons, rehabilitation and leisure swimming.

Mr Gallagher said the complex is a social centre that has done a lot for the health and wellbeing of the Central Hawke's Bay community.

In Waipawa, the outdoor pool is open in the summer months, owned by the CHB District Council and run by Aqua Management.

Ms Hayes said this was a well-used and needed pool.

"In the Christmas holiday period people from across Central Hawke's Bay use it - children stay there all day going between the pool and skate bowl across the road."

At both pools prices are kept to a minimum. The cost is $4 for an adult and $3 for a child in Waipukurau, and $2 for both adults and children at Waipawa.

Through the council's contribution to the AW Parsons Pool, ratepayers pay about $2.70 each a year to keep the facility running.

Wairoa Community Centre Pool

The Wairoa Community Centre Pool was built in 1999 under a community trust headed by local farmer John Bayly, with ownership later transferred to the Wairoa District Council, and now run by Sport Hawke's Bay.

Sport Hawke's Bay community centre manager Sara Bird said 90,000 people went through the facility last year, which includes a gymnasium, internal courts, and is also used for community events.

Comprising a six-lane, 25 metre pool, in December 2015 a learn to swim, rehabilitation and baby and toddler pool was opened.

In addition an outdoor pool and paddling pool are open through the summer months.

"We had record numbers through the pool this year and taking part in the learn to swim classes, and the learn to swim school has won national and international awards," said Ms Bird.

The 23 staff who help manage the pool are assisted by volunteers.

"There are a lot of dedicated people who help out and the facility is accessible for everyone in the community."

For casual users the rates range from $2 to $4, and there are concession subscription packages on offer.

Wairoa mayor Craig Little said it was an incredible facility.

"John Bayly must be looking back on this and be very proud of how it's doing. A lot of people use it, and much of its success is due to hard work of the volunteers."