Aquatic Centre well utilised during school holidays

Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre has been extra busy over the school holidays with locals and visitors making regular use of the recently upgraded facilities.

‘Learn to Swim’ classes are being held in the second week of the holidays and will conclude with a fun public event called “Pirates’ Paradise” on Friday 24 April from 4-6pm. The event will feature an obstacle course, diving for treasure, games, pirate “tattoos” and a sausage sizzle.

Pool staff continue to receive positive feedback about the facilities which re-opened in September 2008 after extensive renovations. The last major construction task - the installation of solar-heating panels – is currently underway.

Pool supervisor Tina McFarlane says the three early morning sessions are the most popular with users along with Sport Waikato’s Tuesday classes.

At a recent meeting of the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board, ideas for boosting patronage, particularly during the winter ski season, were discussed. Suggestions included rewards for regular use, increasing organised events, and providing educational material about swimming.

Turangi-Tongariro Community Board Chairman Councillor Don Ormsby says the renovated facility has exceeded his expectations. “Tina should be congratulated on her hard work in establishing an efficient working complex and a variety of different exercise programmes,” he says.