| 41 T T Kim Newth Upgrade enhancing enjoyment and safety Whangārei District Council is contributing $2.8 million to the works that target critical areas such as water quality and air handling. Sport Northland: Whangārei Aquatic Centre Upgrades “We’ve upgraded filtration and water treatment, as well as heating systems. Plus, we’ve installed new non-slip flooring, replacing the old tiles that were reasonably slippery. The kids’ area has been brightened up, with all the water features spruced up too.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Significant improvements are being rolled out at the Whangārei Aquatic Centre (WAC) to create better experiences for visitors using the centre’s community pool facilities. First up for renewal this year was the leisure side of the facility, including wave pool, hydrotherapy pool, toddlers’ pool and spa pools, where the upgrade work has already delivered a transformation in both function and performance. “The water is looking absolutely crystal clear and the water temperature is perfect,” says Stu Middleton, Sport Northland’s Spaces and Places manager. “We’ve upgraded filtration and water treatment, as well as heating systems. Plus, we’ve installed new non-slip flooring, replacing the old tiles that were reasonably slippery. The kids’ area has been brightened up, with all the water features spruced up too.” The days of children being dripped on while climbing the hydroslide stairs will soon be long gone too, with new drip-free solid stair treads being installed. A new wash-down system will keep the whole structure user-friendly and clean. Northland’s aquatic facilities have been in the spotlight in recent years, following the adoption of a regional strategy for play, active recreation and sport in Te Tai Tokerau (Kōkiri ai te Waka Houra) and then the release of a regional aquatics plan in 2023. In a subsequent review of the WAC, owner Sport Northland identified that major renewal work was required. With the centre attracting approximately 300,000 visitors a year, the need for this upgrade was clear. Whangārei District Council is contributing $2.8 million to the works that target critical areas such as water quality and air handling. Overseeing the project is a working group, including representatives from Sport Northland, Whangārei District Council and centre managers CLM. Stage 2 works are now well underway with upgrades to the 25-metre competition pool, learn- to-swim pool and changing spaces. Key areas of focus are water quality, replacement of the main electrical switchboard, poolside flooring, repainting of pool halls and refurbishment of changing spaces, as well as improved drainage and additional toilets in family changing rooms. “By November we should have finished all the scheduled work,” says Stu. “Getting temperature and water quality right throughout the centre has been a top priority, with the overall goal of improving the user experience, from refurbished changing spaces where the water temperature in the showers will now be far better, to pool halls where water quality and air handling are consistent, to cosmetic improvements of rails, seating and water features. “There will also be much needed upgrades to the hydroslide tower and non-slip flooring throughout the centre, topping off the user experience.” Stu says aquatic centre users have been very understanding, and have readily adapted to changes in routine as the upgrade has unfolded. “Most people have been really receptive and are looking at the long-term benefits.” Sport Northland took over ownership of the WAC from Whangārei Disrict Council some years ago. Having the pools under community ownership enabled funding to be secured for major redevelopment at the time, with the leisure facilities/hydrotherapy pool added in 2010. This latest upgrade means the centre’s facilities will be safe, functional and comfortable for the next 10 to 15 years. Further improvements are also planned for future years, as funding allows. PO Box 84 - 105, Westgate, Auckland 0657 | sales@h2ogroup.co.nz | www.h2ogroup.co.nz 0508 H2O H2O (426 426) Absolute Stainless 12 Loygard Road, Port Nikau, Whangarei e: info@absolutestainless.co.nz p: 09 430 8608 www.absolutestainless.co.nz ABSOLUTE STAINLESS FOR QUALITY YOU’LL LOVE • Benches • Range • Hoods • Brackets • Flashings • Hand Rails • Ladders • Bollards STAINLESS & ALUMINIUM SPECIALISTS
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