Back to the Future for Petone’s McKenzie Baths

Petone’s McKenzie Pool will open at 10am on Saturday 16 November after a $2.3 million major redevelopment.

The facility is in the final construction stage with commissioning and testing of the pools treatment plant, heating systems and equipment happening in the next few weeks. All three main contractors and the project manager have done a great job keeping the project on track.

When the pool is reopened it will be go back to its original name the McKenzie Baths in keeping with the historical significance to the Petone community.

Stephen Keatley, Hutt City Council Recreation Facilities Manager said, “There was a plaque on the front gate covered in a creeper with the words McKenzie Baths. This was removed before the redevelopment started and will be re-installed in a prominent position ready for the opening.’’

While maintaining a link with the past the redeveloped pool will have modern water treatment systems and play features for the kids. “The pool is looking fantastic with all the new pool surrounds, splash pad, upgraded changing facilities and entrance, plus with both pools now full of water the end is in sight.”

Further details on the opening day will be available closer to the date. However for the weekend of 16 and 17 November the entry fee will be just 10 cents to celebrate the pool’s 80 years of service to the community.

“You could say that the redevelopment is a fitting birthday present,” said Mr Keatley.

The original pool opened on the 16 December 1933. The baths were named after Mr David McKenzie who was Mayor of Petone and Chairman of the Baths Committee.

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