There are no public swimming facilities in the Warkworth district. For a population nearing 17,000 this area is desperately underresourced. Having become part of the Auckland super city, our needs are being pushed to one side as our rates go towards projects where the population concentration is greater. We need to look at alternative options to building community recreation facilities, such as a
community pool - something our people have overwhelmingly indicated a need for. Besides the obvious recreational aspect, there is a major health benefit to everyone in the community, from babies to the elderly, no matter what their physical abilities. Many people in the community need access to a pool, be it for Learn-to-Swim, gentle aerobic exercise for the elderly, hydrotherapy or recovery from injury/operation; these require 30c+, as well as a range of pool depths. The elderly need at the very least a stair entry to a pool, and a warm atmosphere. They want to exercise too, but need low impact opportunities. Babies and the disabled require 30c+ temperatures. WE NEED A WELL-DESIGNED FACILITY THAT ENCOURAGES FREQUENT PATRONISATION, WITH USEFUL REVENUE, WHICH WILL ENHANCE COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELL-BEING. Aquatic centres, associated cafeteria and fitness centre together with 7 day operation are commonly a community recreation hub, bringing in useful revenue from residents and tourists alike. Applications
- Learn To Swim
- Swim Squads
- Masters
- Adult Fitness for low impact exercise
Diabetics
Obesity
Arthritis sufferers
Green prescription doctors, physios, chiropractors
- Hydrotherapy for Stroke victims
Accident victims ACC
Special needs persons CCS
Hip/ joint replacement
Post-operative recuperation
- Aquarobics/aqua jogging for young, fit, unfit
Middle age, muscle & bone strength
Elderly - osteoporosis
Recovery training for rugby etc
- Water Polo, synchronised swimming, diving, underwater hockey
- SCUBA dive training
- Surf club distance/endurance training
- Triathlete training
Desired Outcomes
- Improved health
- Water safety & Education
- Community wellbeing - accessible to all, little/no skill required
- Sporting excellence
What types of pools required? Minimum 2, prescribed for:
Training & Masters 26-28c 25-50m, x 1-2m
Adult Fitness (swimming) 26-28c 25-50m, x 1-2m
Aquarobics 28-30c 25-50m, x 1-2m
Water Polo, SCUBA training etc 26-28c 25-50m, x 1-2.5m
Learn-to-Swim 30-34c 20 - 25m,x .8-1.2m
5m Hydrotherapy 30-34c 20 - 25m, x .8-1.2m
Early Childhood exploration and safety 30-34c 10m, x .3-.8m w/beach entry
Spas 34-40c 2.5m x 2. Leisure aspect 26-28c freeform eg slides, wave machine
Considerations
Waste water (pools self–contained, and waste held in detention tanks to be emptied 6 monthly or as required), Heating, Insulation, Filtration, Sanitation, Air-conditioning
With huge community support for project, there is opportunity to take advantage of local contributions by contractors for all services eg engineering, earthworks & contractors. Supply & Demand, Repeat visits high – conservatively estimated @ 110,000pa at current population, with “honeymoon period “ 125,000+ in first year of operation, probably higher with innovative and well-run programs and good management.
