A wave of exciting new features for Otahuhu's library and swimming pool

Auckland City Council has endorsed plans outlining details of the new swimming pool, library and outdoor space facilities in Otahuhu.

Designed to increase recreational and cultural opportunities for local residents from 2011, the new facilities are the second stage of the Otahuhu Recreation Precinct, located in Mason Avenue, Otahuhu.

The council has allocated $22.1million towards the swimming pool, library and open-space which are due for completion by June 2011.

The new swimming pool complex will offer local residents the opportunity to ride a hydroslide, swim some laps or relax in a family spa. The new library offers learning opportunities for all and youth will have their own chill-out space in which to read and relax.

Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee says feedback provided by the community earlier this year has been instrumental in defining types of facilities that are needed for the Otahuhu community.

"These facilities are an exciting development for Otahuhu and we want locals involved every step of the way to ensure the look and feel reflects the diverse needs of this community," says Ms Sefuiva.

"Overall, feedback shows us that people are looking for a complex that has a focus on families, children and youth. They want a place for the community to meet and socialise that is affordable, safe and secure.

"The focus of the new swimming pool should be on fun and enjoyment. There was strong community support for a hydroslide, which is a definite inclusion in the overall design," she concludes.

The swimming pool will be an indoor complex with access and connections to an outdoor area. The design will reflect a Pacific lagoon. The swimming pool will include:

an irregular shaped 25m pool with beach entry to a depth of 3m to accommodate lane swimming, water play and bombing
a toddlers pools with beach and gentle water features
a teaching pool
a family spa pool
a hydroslide
a sauna and steam-room for heat therapy.
Councillor Cathy Casey, chairperson of the Community Development and Equity Committee is also excited about the recreation precinct developments and says the focus of the community library will be on literacy and learning for the whole community.

"The community want a new library that offers separation of spaces for age groups and activities, access to computers and the internet, structured programmes and resources for learning and study," says Dr Casey.

"We want to make sure the new library ticks all of these boxes with a non-traditional design that incorporates sustainable design principles, reflects the diversity of the Otahuhu community and local history, and is welcoming to all residents," she says.

The community can look forward to a library that offers diverse spaces including:

space to accommodate an expanded collection of 25,000 items
a learning zone with up to 30 computers available for public use
an adult zone offering resource and relaxation areas
a small meeting room with technology for presentations
a children's zone to accommodate programmes and noisy activities
a youth zone that provides a space to chill out and living room to encourage youth to read, relax, study and meet friends.
"Feedback from the community and final scoping of both facilities means the council can start developing the concept design for the precinct," says Dr Casey.

The council aims to go back to the community with concept designs for the precinct including the new pool and library in March 2008 so residents will have the opportunity to comment on what the facilities will look like.