Swimming pool proposed for Rototuna
Rototuna should get its own major aquatic centre, according to a report released last week by Sport Waikato.
“We think Rototuna is exploding in population and one thing we need to make sure of is that we’re providing facilities for the community,” Sport Waikato chief executive Matthew Cooper said.
The report championed the need for long-term pool, leisure and sporting facilities in Hamilton and the wider Waikato, with a focus on gaps in Hamilton’s burgeoning northeast.
It would be similar to Mt Maunganui’s multi-pool and hyrdorslide leisure centre, which attract about 230,000 visitors each year.
Sport Waikato proposed Hamilton City Council close the historic Municipal Pools, saying capital would be better invested in a new indoor pool complex in the northeast of the city, reports the Waikato Times.
Sport Waikato suggested council develop a “new standard configuration indoor community pool” – to include a 25m lane pool, fun pool and learn-to-swim pool, plus possibly a hydrotherapy pool.
Baywave also includes a wave pool.
Cooper said a key point made in the report, titled the Waikato Sports Facility Plan Public Consultation Summary, is the need to work collaboratively with central government, local government and community clubs and groups.
Council has purchased 18.4 hectares of land for community facilities around Rototuna’s town centre – including a library, community and aquatic centre and sports fields.
Lance Vervoort, council’s community services general manager confirmed the land, off North City Rd, adjacent to the Hamilton Christian School, is intended for community facilities such as a sports park, aquatic facility and library.
He said council is currently assessing options for future aquatic facilities in Hamilton, though the need for swimming facilities, as well as affordability, must be weighed up against the infrastructural needs of the city during council’s 2015-2025 10-year plan.
“The work we are carrying out will identify the benefits, costs and challenges with each option, which include a new pool and the upgrade of some current pools. A possible new pool in Rototuna is one of several options.”
Read the story in the Times here.
