The Ōtaki Pool will be closed next week to undergo a $5.4 million redevelopment.
The pool’s rebuild is one of four key initiatives selected by the Kāpiti Coast District Council and the community for development as part of FutureKāpiti Long term plan 201535.
The pool will be closed from Friday 24 February for approximately eight months while work is carried out.
As part of the upgrade the pool hall will be rebuilt with the roof and walls replaced, access into the building will be improved, a ramp added to the main pool and the filtration systems between the toddlers and main pool will be separated.
The reception and entrance will be redesigned to be made more user-friendly, acoustic panelling will be added to the building’s roof to help with noise reduction and fencing around the perimeter of the building will be removed to create easier access to Haruatai Park.
The pool’s changing rooms, plant room and building, and pool tank will remain the same but given a new lease of life with a paint job.
Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says staff have been working hard to ensure the regular Ōtaki Pool patrons are taken care of during the closure period.
“We’re having a massive fun day at the pool on the Friday 24th February where everyone can swim for free, the inflatables will be going up after school and we’re hosting a morning tea for special guests.”
During the closure period Ōtaki residents can swim for free at the Waikanae Pools up until 26 March and the Coastlands Aquatic Centre in Paraparaumu. Swim clubs have also been accommodated and learn to swim fees for Ōtaki residents discounted.
“The pool is an important facility for residents of Ōtaki and the wider community. We’re committed to upgrading the complex and further enhancing the family-friendly facilities available in Ōtaki,” Ms Law says.
The Council is also building a new community-designed splash pad next to the pool for free public use for next summer.
More than 400 people provided feedback through completing online surveys, filling in paper forms at the pool and through face-to-face chats with Kāpiti Coast Aquatics staff.
Ms Law says there was an overwhelming response from the community to first picking a preferred concept design and then what water play equipment they would like.
“We can’t wait to build something that our community has helped design, and it will be ready in time for next summer. The splash pad is going to be a great asset for the local community and for Ōtaki visitors alike.”
What features will be incorporated in the splash pad design will be finalised over the next few weeks.
