Extra hours make timely splash at Te Hāpua Summer Pool

Halswell’s Te Hāpua Summer Pool will be open for longer on weekdays this summer following a $22,000 funding boost from the Waipuna/Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board.

The extra funding will mean from Monday, 7 December this year the pool can open at 9.30am daily – instead of 11.30am – as well as allow for an 8pm close on Fridays, rather than 7pm.

The pool will also be open to concession-card holders for lane swimming on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 6.30am to 9.30am.

Board Chairperson Mike Mora says that with both the main pool and the wave pool at the Pioneer Recreation and Sports Centre out of action because of essential maintenance, there is likely to be more people flocking to Te Hāpua.

“We need to remain agile in meeting local needs and the extra funding is an important investment in providing recreational facilities to a wider community,” Mr Mora says.

“Te Hāpua offers a popular social hub, along with plenty of leisure and fitness options for all ages.

“With more of us expected to enjoy a ‘staycation’ this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a community pool that is open for longer is sure to find favour with adults and children alike.

“We certainly expect more people will dive in this summer with Pioneer closed, including those who revel in an early swim or an evening paddle.”

The $22,090 Discretionary Response Fund grant will cover the extra operational costs of the extended hours from 7 December.

An extra family event will also feature on Te Hāpua Pool’s social calendar.

Check out the Christchurch City Council’s Te Hāpua Halswell Summer Pool webpage for more information.