Pool opens later than usual

by Carl McRae

As summer approaches, the decision to open the region's outdoor pools (Eastbourne, Wainuiomata and McKenzie in Petone) three weeks later than normal has proved unpopular. The Hutt City Council has announced the amendments to opening time is ‘part of a range of operational savings identified by Council in order to provide a lower rates increase for Hutt residents in 2020/21'.

Some local residents have expressed dismay that the Eastbourne Pool is the one likely to suffer the most from this cost-cutting measure, opening on November 28, one week after McKenzie and Wainuiomata, and closing earlier next year - March 7, one week before the other two.

Eastbourne Community Board member Belinda Moss says that season lengths are generally determined by public usage, school groups and pool hire groups. Eastbourne Pool is predominantly a community pool and it is used more in the Christmas/New Year and January holiday period, but before and after this time it

Have you ever wanted to try Yoga, but unsure where to start?

This six week course will cover the breathing, pranayama, asana, the postures, alignment and modifications to suit you, and time to come into stillness with meditation.

Starting: Monday, 1 Feb

Time: 5.15pm - 6.30

Location: Anahata Studio, Jackson Street, under the clock, Doreen Dolan Mall, Petone

Cost: $90 payable to secure your spot (sorry no refunds)

Enquiries/bookings please txt me: Jennifer 027 415 9345

Please book early as course numbers are limited is mostly used by the local community.

"Eastbourne Pool has always opened after McKenzie and Wainuiomata Pools and has always been the first to close,” Ms Moss says.

“While the season starting dates have been delayed for the upcoming season, the closing date has remained unchanged. The pool closed for the 2019/20 season on Sunday 8 March.”

Caryn Ellis, Head of the Chief Executive’s Office at HCC reiterates that the Eastbourne Pool is always the last outdoor pool to open and first to close, compared to Wainuiomata and McKenzie pools which have higher visitor numbers.

Ms Moss says that it will be business as usual for our local schools, Muritai and San Antonio, who will both continue to run their Learn to Swim programmes during terms 4 2020 and Term 1 2021. Wellesley College will be holding their swimming sports event there as normal.

The late start and early closure has also fuelled speculation that Eastbourne pool is ultimately for the chop, totally refuted by Ms Ellis.

“There are no plans to close Eastbourne pool,” she says, “it’s a great asset for the local community."”