Summer pools to open Show Weekend

Break out your bathers Christchurch, all of the city’s outdoor pools will officially open the gates this Show Weekend.

This marks the first summer since the February 2011 earthquake that all of the city’s outdoor pools have been open, a milestone in the city's rebuild, Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation and Sports John Filsell said.

“We have worked extremely hard over the last five years to keep as many of our facilities open and available to the public. Users will definitely notice a few big changes at some of their favourite summer pool facilities this year as we have rebuilt some facilities post-earthquake, and added some features to respond to resident’s feedback.”

Children playing at the Scarborough Paddling Pool.

Two of the biggest changes the public will notice are the complete rebuild of the Avebury paddling pool, the installation of new murals on the bottoms of paddling pools, and shade sails at several pools, including the popular Botanic Gardens paddling pool.

Mr Filsell said Council staff were hard at work ahead of the openings water blasting pool tanks and pool decks, repainting surfaces, recruiting and training lifeguards and erecting shade sails.

“Based on feedback from users, we’re making a few changes this year. We are currently coating the Botanic Garden’s paddling pool in a non-slip paint and new shade sails are being erected over the pools. The non-slip paint is a high-tech coating that will save Council thousands of dollars each in year in painting costs, as it lasts a minimum of 10 years.”

Abberley Park, Avebury Park, Edgar MacIntosh, Spencer Park and Woodham Park paddling pools were being coated with the non-slip paint and would feature new marine-themed murals on the base of the pools.”

Paddling Pools to open are: Abberley Park, Avebury Park (complete rebuild), Botanic Gardens, Edgar MacIntosh Park, New Brighton Foreshore (whale pool), Scarborough Park, Spencer Park and Woodham Park.

The Summer Pools to open are: Waltham Pool, Halswell Pool, Lyttleton Pool, Jellie Park. Templeton Pool will open December 3.