After debate and questions, Hastings District Councillors agreed today to close the Frimley Pool in light of the significant investment required for it to be safely and sustainably operational now and into the future.
A proposal to close the pool complex was consulted on during this year’s Long Term Plan process, and on the basis of submitters’ feedback, Council agreed to keep it open dependent on the condition of the facility and what investment may be needed to keep it open.
As a result of those investigations it was identified that as well as corroded underground pipes causing substantial leaks in the previous two seasons, there were further leaks, with an unbudgeted repair bill ranging from $77,000 for a semi-permanent fix, to $110,000 for a long-term solution.
In addition, it was estimated another $750,000 investment in maintenance would be needed to keep it open for the next five years.
In deliberating on their decision, Councillors acknowledged that patronage had been declining over the past few years, with Frimley Pool having the lowest number of patrons for any of Council’s aquatic facilities, and that in the current environment any unbudgeted expenditure would put more strain on finances and ratepayers, and would require spending cuts to be made elsewhere.
In addition, some schools had moved their swimming sports to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre in recent years.
Councillors also noted, however, that Frimley Pool offered an affordable option for people who wanted to visit a pool as a leisure activity, rather than strictly for exercise, in a location that was accessible.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was a very difficult decision to close the facility.
“Many in our community have swum at Frimley pools over many years since it was built in 1967, but we can’t ignore the declining numbers of people using them.
“Pools are expensive to run and maintain and in these tough economic times we have to prioritise where rates are spent.
“We can’t afford to spend the huge amount needed to bring this pool up to a good standard, but we also can’t keep nursing it along without proper investment.”
During the decision-making it was noted that there was no budget to invest in improvements to encourage more patronage such as heating, splash pads, basketball hoops, a dive well and more shade sails.
In deciding to close the pool, a business case on its deconstruction and what will happen to the land will be created and presented to Council.
Drownings and Water incidents are on the rise,nearly every school pool has been shut down,temperatures are rising,rivers are polluted to the degree qualified authorities deem them not suitable for swimming (even dogs),but councils chose to close the more affordable public pools,and the Government puts Tax Cuts before Kids.But kids don’t vote !! “Be seen ,but not heard”.