Facilities  |  1 Oct 2021

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Sixteen months after the first sod was turned on the corner of Linwood Avenue and Smith Street, Te PouToetoe: Linwood Pool was officially opened by Mayor Lianne Dalziel today.

“It’s exciting to see this fantastic new facility opening for the people of Linwood, Woolston and surrounding areas,” says the Mayor.

“There has been eager anticipation ahead of this day and I’m delighted to see the doors are now open as we move into the summer months.”

Although the facility’s capacity is reduced while Christchurch is in COVID-19 Alert Level 2, bookings are now open for learn to swim lessons, group fitness and recreation classes, which begin on 18 October. An opening celebration with events and entertainment is planned for Alert Level 1, to welcome the community to their new facility.

“This amenity will be of real and lasting benefit to the community for years to come – a place where individuals and families, community groups and school children can come together to connect, to swim, to play, to learn and to make lasting memories for generations,” says the Mayor.

“I signed a petition organised by the community in 2009 that called on the Council to build an aquatic recreation facility in the east. The Linwood community has pushed hard for this because they felt strongly that there was a lack of youth facilities in the eastern suburbs.

“Today’s opening shows the Council can listen and can respond to a community's call for greater investment in local facilties,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.  "This will make the world of difference to so many families in the area.

The $22 million complex features a multi-use 25-metre lane pool, a deep-water manu/splash pool, a family spa pool, learn-to-swim pool, and a pool for toddlers.

Community meeting rooms and a kitchen connect to an outdoor gathering area with picnic tables, tennis and multi-use courts, cycle stands and parking.

One of the meeting rooms has been named the Bob Todd Room after lifelong Linwood resident Bob Todd. He was a former Community Board chairperson who has been strong advocate of improved sports and swimming facilities in the Linwood/Woolston community over many decades.

Linwood Ward Councillor Yani Johanson says he is delighted that the facility is finally ready to open and that it is great to see what has been a dream for over 20 years become a reality with positive investment going into the Linwood/Woolston area.

“Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool is a testament to the passion and commitment to the hard work and dedication of so many people, organisations and schools over a number of years to stand up and support this area.”

 “They are the reason we have this stunning complex opening here today and they should be very proud of what they have achieved. I have no doubt that it will be a fixture in the lives of our residents for many years to come. This first-class facility replaces the old Woolston Pool with a modern fit for purpose and fun place for people of all ages to enjoy.

“The project team who worked with the community on this also deserves a big thanks – it was their efforts that got this project delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.”

Every Wednesday from 3pm–9.30pm, starting from 6 October, the facility will be women-only. These special women-only sessions come at the community’s request, and will provide an opportunity for women and girls to make the most of the pools.

To book in for SwimSmart learn to swim lessons or for more information on available classes, please visit ccc.govt.nz/TePouToetoeLinwoodPool