Health & wellbeing, Things to do  |  27 Oct 2020

Outdoor pools will open on Saturday, 14 November, welcoming thousands of water lovers over the summer.

All five of the Christchurch City Council’s summer facilities – Norman Kirk Memorial in Lyttelton, Templeton, Te Hāpua Halswell, Waltham and Jellie Park in Burnside – are primed for the seasonal rush, with plans for pool parties and fun activities.

Young children will also be able to make a splash, with the Council’s paddling pools opening on the same day.

All outdoor pools will close on Sunday, 28 March next year.

Council Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox says many Kiwis have a “lifelong connection with their local pool”.

“For many, there is a real thrill in taking their first dip of the season – even if there is a bit of early chill in the air,” Mr Cox says.

“However, nothing really beats an open-air pool on a hot day in Christchurch.

“We encourage everyone to check the hours, look out for our popular party days and sign up for the membership systems in place for those who visit the Templeton and Norman Kirk Memorial pools.”

Mr Cox says that Templeton will operate on a membership basis – with an $80 season pass – and members can bring their friends and family as long as they leave a payment in the honesty box.

The same system applies in Lyttelton. Lifeguards will be on duty at the Norman Kirk Memorial Pool between 11.30am and 7pm, from 14 November 2020 until 31 January next year.

From 1 February until 28 March next year, an end-of-season key will be on offer for $80, or users can opt for a full season key for $160. The pool will be open from 7am to 8pm throughout the season.

“It will be brilliant to have all the outdoor pools open for, hopefully, a long, warm summer,” Mr Cox says.

The pool party season gets under way at Jellie Park on Saturday, 28 November from noon. The party season will officially wrap up with a “Dive In Movie” day at Jellie Park on Saturday, 6 March.

To find out more about your local pool, party dates and opening hours, go to the Council website.