Friday, November 10, 2006
1956 was a big year. Elvis hit number one on the US music charts with Heartbreak Hotel, actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco, the Soviet Union invaded Hungary, Sidney Holland was Prime Minister of New Zealand…and Naenae Olympic Pool was opened by then Lower Hutt Mayor Percy Dowse.
For half a century, Naenae Pool has been a focal point for generations of people from Naenae, Taita and Epuni. It’s been a place to meet and hangout with friends, spend quality time with family, keep fit, or maybe cool off during a typically hot Hutt Valley summer’s day. It enjoys a special place in the hearts of many people who have used its facilities over the past 50 years.
Naenae Pool has a fascinating history. Built at a cost of £150,000, part of which was levied through a special rate on local residents, the pool was, according to the souvenir brochure published to mark the opening, “suitable for the biggest sporting events such as Empire or Olympic Games”. More recently, the pool won the New Zealand Recreation Association’s Top Facility Award in 2001; the first pre-1990 facility to win this accolade.
The pool has undergone several changes during its life. New learners and tiny tots pools were constructed in 1958. In 1972 it was the first pool in the country to have a moveable bulkhead installed allowing greater flexibility of use. 1987 saw the roofing of the main pool and the construction of the ZoomTube waterslide and refurbishment of the dressing rooms and pool offices. Eight years ago the learners’ pool was re-roofed following the Naenae Community Committee’s “Raising the Roof” fundraising drive.
Fifty years on, Naenae Pool is still going strong. Every year it attracts 280,000 visitors with 300,000 rides on the ZoomTube, making it one of the most popular and well-used Council-run facilities in the city. But she’s not resting on her laurels. To meet public demand, the pool will next year have a new, modern fitness gym to complement the water activities, ensuring it will continue to serve the community well into the future.
The Council is committed to providing and maintaining aquatic services for its residents. Naenae is one of six swimming pools in Hutt City – more per head than Wellington City. Facilities like this one are essential to the quality of life for residents, and help make Hutt City an attractive place for families to live.
I want to thank Naenae Pool manager Robert Snelgrove and staff for their excellent day-to-day running of the pool. I also thank the many former staff over the past 50 years who have done such a wonderful job.
On that note, it’s time to wish Naenae Olympic Pool a very happy birthday and cut the cake. Before I do that, can I ask you to all to join me in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the best pool in the best little city in New Zealand!