Pool to remain closed; future uncertain

A decision on the fate of the Clyde pool will be made before the 2011 season. It will remain closed in the coming summer. Photo by Lynda Van Kempen.

The Vincent Community Board considered the matter this week as it heard submissions on the Central Otago District Council draft annual plan. Two submitters said the pool was too expensive to upgrade and maintain.

Board chairwoman Clair Higginson said it would cost $250,000 to replace a filtration plant and solar heating system at the pool, to make it operational again.

The board had decided to "mothball" the facility for a year and then make a decision about its future.

The outdoor pool, which is beside the Clyde Holiday and Sporting Complex, closed for a year in 2006.

The facility required maintenance and the committee of volunteers which ran the pool had gone into recess. It reopened late in 2007 with public support.

"At that time there was some pressure by residents to keep the pool open but we've held a straw poll recently and there doesn't seem the same pressure now about the need for it to remain open," Ms Higginson said.

The board would have discussions with different user groups during the year to be better informed before making any final decision on the pool's future.

"It's possible it could be closed permanently, or it might be opened again. It really depends on what people say and what they are prepared to pay," she said.

In her submission to the annual plan, Clyde resident Anita Dawe said the pool should not be upgraded and retained.

"The costs for a small community are not sustainable and the pool does not adequately provide for the needs of the community."

It would be better to focus funding on the Molyneux Aquatic Centre to improve the range of activities available, she said.

Anita Middlemiss, of Alexandra, made a submission which said Alexandra ward ratepayers were charged for the operation of the aquatic centre and the Clyde pool.

"Given that the Molyneux Aquatic Centre is just six minutes' drive from downtown Clyde, duplication of such an expensive asset would seem unjustified. If there is strong support from the Clyde residents for maintenance of the asset, then Clyde residents should be solely rated for the upgrade."

It was time residents of the Alexandra basin took a less parochial view of the facilities that were needed in the area. Closing the Clyde pool and diverting those resources into the Molyneux centre would be a good start, she said.

- lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz