Five questions with Garry McCorkindale

Tuapeka Aquatic Centre chairman Garry McCorkindale has a look at the new swimming pool and...
Tuapeka Aquatic Centre chairman Garry McCorkindale has a look at the new swimming pool and fitness centre under construction in Lawrence. PHOTO: HAMISH MACLEAN
Tuapeka Aquatic Centre chairman Garry McCorkindale brings South Otago reporter Hamish MacLean up to speed on the near-complete Tuapeka Aquatic Centre in Lawrence.

Construction of the $2.3million community-owned fitness centre, toddlers' pool, learners' pool and 25m six-lane lap pool began at the end of 2014. When it opens this summer, the pool will have been six years in the making, and will represent the culmination of many hours of dedication from the wider community of about 1200.

Q What are you looking forward to most about the new pool this summer?

A Mostly just having it up and running. It has been a project on the go for quite a few years now and to watch the construction over the autumn and winter has been very exciting. Because entry will be by electronic key, the pool will be available from dawn till dark for a wider variety of uses than the old Clutha District Council-run pool. I particularly see a lot more use of it by adult swimmers, either lane swimming, exercising in group classes or therapeutic exercise.

Q What's been the most frustrating thing/biggest challenge about building a new pool?

A No real frustrations, but certainly the biggest challenge has been raising our ''local share'' of $400,000 to back up our applications for outside funding. The response to our pledge appeal has been excellent and local contractors have put in hundreds of voluntary hours on excavating the site and donating, carting and placing rock, gravel and sand for the base layer and backfill.

Q Has the project - or the people who have helped make it happen - surprised you in any way?

A Not really. It has just reaffirmed my belief that this is a great community for getting in behind projects that enhance community wellbeing. The build itself has gone without major hitches and kept within budget.

Q Are you planning anything special for the pool's grand opening?

A Yes, definitely! We are anticipating opening in late November but planning for the event is still at an early stage so you'll just have to wait and see.

Q Do you have any thoughts on what should/might happen at the site of the old swimming pool in Lawrence?

A Personally, no, but as a member of the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board I'm keen to hear any ideas from the community. If no viable plans for an alternative use for the site emerge, I presume the council will demolish the facility and restore the site.

 

hamish.maclean@odt.co.nz

 

 

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