42 | Horowhenua District Council COMMUNITY T T Sue Russell Levin Aquatic Centre upgrade a hit Patrick says, considering what was attended to, the four-week closure, with all works delivered on time, is quite remarkable. Community facilities like public swimming pools play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities, providing an accessible space for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of being active in the water. In Levin, the town’s aquatic centre is a home to an array of water-based activities, and when the facility needed a significant upgrade, Council prepared for this through its Long Term Plan. Facility manager Patrick Blackman says that, given the scope of the works undertaken, the decision by Council to close the facility was the only way the work could be achieved with minimum disruption to patrons. “We took a lot of time planning the staging of the work and, as a result, in a relatively short space of time, we achieved a great deal. I know that when we reopened, patrons commented on how great the improvements were and that was very heartening to hear,” Patrick says. Works undertaken as part of the $1 million works programme included painting the whole exterior of the building and the hydroslide. Inside, every wall was spruced up with a coat of paint. “Our main pool and play pool were tiled, and we had pool liners installed. Even the hydrotherapy pool received attention. The floor was upgraded, along with other cosmetic improvements, while the closure also provided the opportunity to undertake major infrastructure upgrades, including installing a new hot water system for our main changing rooms.” Levin Aquatic Centre has 21 pumps, ranging in size from very large to small. All of these were checked, upgraded or replaced as necessary. The gas boiler, which provides the centre’s hot water supply, was also serviced, along with our HVAC systems. “A good analogy of what we’ve done is, if this was a car, we’ve basically checked over and replaced everything under the hood that needed attention.” Patrick says, considering what was attended to, the four-week closure, with all works delivered on time, is quite remarkable. “We were determined to deal with everything that needed attention, to future-proof this important community space and give it a new lease of life.” Patrick manages Horowhenua District Council’s aquatic facilities, which include Foxton Pools, the Splash Pad, the school pool in Shannon, and oversees a team of approximately 60 staff, made up of lifeguards, aquatic education instructors, fitness instructors, and customer experience officers. Pool attendance, from the very young to those enjoying the benefits that gentle exercise in water provides, is strong and, Patrick says, at peak times Levin Aquatic Centre can be very busy. While Levin Aquatic Centre reopened to the public in mid-May, Patrick says the project had been underway before then with preparatory work beginning in February. “There were a whole lot of small jobs we could complete while keeping the facility open to the public. In all, I’d say the work took around 16 weeks from start to finish.” We were pleased to use predominantly local contractors throughout the project. Their professionalism, collaborative approach and high-quality workmanship played a key role in delivering the project on time. “The work we’ve completed is expected to extend the life of many of our key assets by another 10 to 15 years. With the facility now approaching 36 years old, it’s important we continue investing in its upkeep to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for our community for many years to come.” Having overseen these major upgrades, Patrick says he knew the improvements would make a real difference. Seeing a room full of Aquacise participants giving him a thumbs-up after reopening was all the confirmation he needed. P (06) 367 9799 E reception@bmscott.co.nz www.bmscott.co.nz Resin Flooring Specialists
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