Monday 1 August 2016

New hydrotherapy pool takes shape

The new hydrotherapy pool is taking shape as part of the Levin Aquatic Centre redevelopment.

It may not be much more than a hole in the ground at this stage, but it is exciting progress, especially for long-time campaigner Carroll Cumming, who was given a sneak preview this week.

“It was 10 years ago that the old hospital closed, and its hydrotherapy pool with it. Since then there’s been a lot of advocating for it to be replaced, so it’s wonderful to see it actually happening. I can already visualise what it will be like. It will be brilliant,” Mrs Cumming said.

“So many people will benefit from the hydrotherapy pool - from older people for health rehabilitation, improving their day-to-day quality of life, through to sportspeople for physical recovery.”

Horowhenua District Council’s Aquatics Manager James Richmond says that just over half of the hydrotherapy pool will be for exercise, with the remainder being a seated spa area to which the water supply will be slightly warmer.

In addition to rails and steps for entering and exiting the pool, a chair hoist will be installed to help users who require the extra assistance.

Mr Richmond says glazing will form the exterior walls, providing for a “pleasant, warm and light” conservatory-style environment, looking out onto landscaping and planting.

“The facility will definitely be a great improvement to the two standard spa pools of the past.”

The hydrotherapy pool is part of Council’s $1.68 million investment to redevelop the Levin Aquatic Centre, as identified in the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan.

Other work includes a complete re-work of the ground floor area includes renovating the toilets, showers and lockers, as well as upgrading the lobby, reception, shop and office area. The existing covered area on the north side will be upgraded to include a conservatory area with large sliding doors leading to the outdoor area. There will be new tiered spectator seating, and the social and storage space will be extended. The filtration and chlorine systems serving the Centre’s three pools are also being replaced.

To allow the work to happen, the Centre has been closed from May, with construction and commissioning to be completed by Friday 9 September. A Special Olympics Event is to be held at the centre that weekend, after which it will re-open to the public on Monday 12 September. While the centre has been closed, the Foxton Pools have remained open over winter.

ENDS

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