New aquatic and recreation complex opens in Christchurch

The opening of a Christchurch aquatic and recreation complex named after late Paralympian and city councillor Graham Condon is a "pretty proud" moment, according to his widow.
The new Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre at Christchurch's Papanui High School will help the city's depleted pool stocks after the closure of the earthquake-damaged Queen Elizabeth II Park centre and the inner-city Centennial complex.
Condon, a city councillor and seven-times Paralympic medallist, was killed while riding his hand-cycle in 2007.
His widow, Kathy, now Deputy Chairwoman of the Shirley-Papanui Community Board, said she was "pretty proud" the centre had been named in his memory, adding that Condon was among a group of who had lobbied to have a aquatic and recreation facility in the area.
The new $13 million centre features an eight-lane, ramped 25 metre indoor swimming pol, a ramped spa pool, ramped learners pool, separate toddlers pool with wet deck and water toys, a 300 metre2 sports hall and a new fitness centre.
Prior to Christchurch's earthquake the project was to have been the first of three new aquatic facilities to be built in Christchurch over a 10 year period as a result of the Council's first city-wide Aquatic Facilities Plan.
Welcoming the new facility Kathy Condon explained "it's been quite a while happening, but it's a really important time for Christchurch to get a new facility up and running."
Kathy Condon said she was impressed with the finished product, especially the wheelchair accessibility, adding "it's more spacious than you realise, and it's very light. It's really good for little kiddies and really accessible, with ramps into the pool and spa pool."
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it was a "fitting tribute" and recognised the valuable work Condon did for the community and helping sportspeople achieve their potential.
The centre is a partnership between the council and Papanui High School, with support from the Northlands Shopping Centre.