Change Aimed At St Albans Concerns
Plans to develop Christchurch's network of public swimming pools and indoor aquatic leisure facilities has been changed in an effort to ease concerns by some St Albans residents at the closure of the outdoor pool in the suburb.
The Aquatic Facilities Plan was formally adopted late last month as part of the City Council's long-term community plan. Before that happened, Councillors Graham Condon and Norm Withers got the Council's approval to instruct the organisation to work with St Albans School and the local community to improve the usability and community access to the school's pool.
"Norm and I spend half our lives trying to get new sporting and recreational facilities opened," Cr Condon said. "We hate seeing things close. Working with the school is the way forward; it's an opportunity for the school and community to be involved, with the Council's support.
"The Council also directed staff to identify the costs of allowing the community greater access to the school pool. The Council would consider using some of the proceeds from the sale of the Edgeware pool land to meet those costs.
The Aquatic Facilities Plan includes a city-wide determination to do more to help school's keep their pools open and attractive. The plan's first major project is the construction of a new indoor pool and sports hall to be built on ground at Papanui High School. The plan will be reviewed in five years. That will ensure its priorities continue to fit city growth. |
