Much-loved community asset – changed for the better

The Maurie Kjar Memorial swimming pool has been a Kawerau cornerstone for close to six decades and is a source of renewed community pride following a year-long refurbishment programme.

The former Swimming Club building was demolished to make way for a new changing room, complete with improved under-floor heating and more facilities, including automatic showers.

The Eastern Bay Energy Trust granted almost $63,000 to the project, funding the replacement of the main switchboard, an electrical wiring upgrade and a ventilation system within the changing room.

Acting Trust Chairman David Bulley says he and fellow Trustees were delighted to support improvements at such a well-utilised public amenity.  “The pool has a far wider function than many people realise. It is a meeting place for all sectors of the community, providing cost-free recreation for families and retirees”.

Kawerau resident Elizabeth Gray is well placed to comment on the new look – she has been using the pool complex for 46 years.

Mrs Gray took her six children to the pools and visited ‘on and off’ during her working years as a relief primary school teacher, but in retirement became a regular pool user.

“I used to walk and walk for exercise, but when I started to get arthritis I swapped to aqua-jogging at the pool. There was quite a group and about six of us regulars became firm friends.”

“The new changing room is wonderful. You walk in and it’s clean and lovely and warm. It’s also a lot closer to the pool than the old one so we don’t get so cold walking to and fro.”

Kawerau District Council Parks and Reserves Officer Bernie Tientjes says landscaping around the facility has also been revamped and there are plans for a children’s ‘splash pad’ and new barbecues ahead of Christmas.

He says Council is working with the Swimming Club on future plans to refurbish the original changing rooms for club use and a new staff area.