Hamilton’s Waterworld Te Rapa back with a splash

Hamilton aquatic facility Waterworld Te Rapa is reopening today following the completion of electrical upgrade with the facility’s 50 and 25 metre pools, dive pool and hydrotherapy pool available for community uses

With the city’s Gallagher Aquatic Centre having provided an alternative venue for keen swimmers, aquatic sports groups and individuals since Waterworld’s closure in the middle of last month, Helen Paki, Hamilton City Council’s Community Services Manager, stated “it’s just brilliant to have everything up and running again.

“We really appreciate the community’s understanding during this time, not just from recreational swimmers but also from sports-focused individuals and groups who use Waterworld for training and water sports and those who enjoy our community swimming classes.

“It’s been what I’d describe as six months of turbulent waters for our public pool facilities, mainly due to COVID-19.

“Both venues had to be completely closed during the lockdown, which also delayed the electrical upgrade work planned for Waterworld Te Rapa.

“Although we’d reopened both venues as soon as we could under COVID-19 restrictions, by mid-July we had to completely close Waterworld again to get that essential maintenance work underway as soon as possible.

“A full facility closure was needed because of potential safety issues around having people using the pools while contractors were working in the area. On the plus side, we were able to assess the effect of some earlier chlorine issues with the facility’s 50m pool and clean and repair the pool while the electrical work was going on.”

Paki says Waterworld’s casual swimmers and Hamilton Pools concession cards and membership holders were able to use the Gallagher Aquatic Centre during Waterworld’s temporary closure, adding “we know people will be relieved they can fully enjoy both facilities again now these challenges are behind us.”

Image courtesy of Zoggs.