Hopes lessons will boost pool patronage

Maniototo Community Board members (from left) Mike Summers, Stuart Duncan, chairman Richard Smith and Central Otago District Council assets and contracts manager Murray Washington watch children participate in a swimming lesson at Ranfurly's swimming pool this week. It is hoped the lessons will encourage more use of the facility. Photo by Rosie Manins.

Maniototo Community Board members discussed the issue at a meeting in Ranfurly this week, when they adopted a revised schedule of fees and charges for the pool.

Board member Sue Umbers said it was disappointing so few residents used the facility, which was highly regarded by visitors to the Maniototo.

"Visitors just rave about it. It's a great facility and I'm disappointed it's not used as much as it could be," she said.

Fellow board member Stuart Duncan said swimming lessons and programmes being held at the pool could well generate greater interest from locals.

"Typically, people in the Maniototo have never really been big swimmers.

I think there are also parents who don't want to take their children if they haven't had swimming lessons, and once those kids have been through the programmes I think there will be a lot more use of the pool in general," he said.

The complex includes a heated, covered main pool and a small paddling pool.

Income at the facility in the next financial year was expected to be about $4000 less than budgeted, while staff wages were projected to exceed budget by about $3500.

About $2000 needed to be spent painting the pool's pit each year, because of its rapid deterioration if under intense heat from the sun during summer.

"It's never going to make money but there will be grizzles if we shut it," board chairman Richard Smith said.

Board members took time out from their meeting to visit the pool and watch children participating in a swimming programme.