An anonymous donation of $50,000 has boosted the amount raised for upgrading the swimming pool at Tapanui to more than $200,000. West Otago Swimming Pool committee member Murray Harrison updated the West Otago Community Board this week on issues facing the pool.
The roof needed replacing and some residents had commented on the quality of the paintwork inside, he said. The committee was trying to raise $400,000 and use it for the required work as it went along.
A heat pump had already been replaced, so the pool could be made warmer.
A report on the status of the pool was being prepared by Opus International Consultants.
Mr Harrison said Opus had investigated solar panels to either power the building or heat the pool, but did not favour the idea as the cost would be higher than the return.
Fundraising co-ordinator Rachel Hanna said the first priority for the committee was to fix and upgrade the pool's roof.
‘‘It's been there since 1976 ... and it needs an overhaul.''
It was expected the roof repairs could cost at least $300,000, but a new report was needed before a final quote could be confirmed.
‘‘We want more money than that so we can look at the other wee things as well.''
Once that was finished the committee would look at upgrading the change rooms and repainting the smaller pool.
She did not know who donated the $50,000, but was absolutely ‘‘blown away'' by the generosity.
At the meeting, board chairwoman Barbara Hanna read out a list of donations made and commended the fundraising efforts, which included seedling collections, trail bike rides and silent auctions.
