Majority support improved pool option

9 June 2017

Eighty per cent of submitters support Waipa District Council adding new features and boosting the budget for the Cambridge pool.

Last month the Council asked the Waipa community for feedback on two options for the Cambridge Pool development. Council asked whether or not to stick with the $9.9 million option approved in the 10-Year Plan or to increase the budget to $16.5 million and add new features including a hydrotherapy pool, splash pad and community room.

More than 700 people responded with 80% favouring the more expensive option.

More than half of the feedback came via a voting option on the Council's Facebook page with a further 161 people completing an online submission form. Sixty-one submissions were received on a printed submission form with the rest coming from feedback during public meetings or via email.

Facebook posts promoting the submission process reached nearly 36,700 people with more than 4,000 watching a Facebook video outlining both pool options.

As well as reaching large numbers of people, the consultation process identified some common issues or requests. A number of submitters want better, more accessible changing rooms, walk-in ramps to the pools and spectator seating.

There were also requests to make the outdoor pool deeper and to include a caf in the complex; neither of which were included in either option put to the public.

Waipa District councillors will consider the community feedback at a Council meeting this Tuesday (13 June) when they will make a decision on what option to support. There is also a recommendation to spend a further $185,000 on the project to upgrade the existing concourse around the outdoor pool and potentially add additional seating.

The meeting, starting at 9am, is open to the public.

For more information, contact: Natalie Palmer 027 807 3174