Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Western Southland Swimming Pool Audit – Tuatapere Baths Report Research Completed

Title

Western Southland Swimming Pool Audit – Tuatapere Baths Report

Lead Author

Venture Southland

Organisation(s)

Venture Southland

Publication Year

2007

Publisher

Venture Southland

Contacts

info@venturesouthland.co.nz

http://southlandnz.com/LiveinSouthland/CommunityDevelopment/Casestudies/Communityswimmingpools.aspx

Abstract

Swimming pools are essential community facilities as swimming and water safety skills are crucial for a region that has so much water. Southland has 48 swimming pools, most of which are on school land. However, many of those are jointly used and operated by schools and community groups. Only three are run professionally, by the Invercargill and Gore Councils respectively.

In the past years Venture Southland has been involved with several community groups managing swimming pools and it has become obvious there are several common challenges facing these groups. Pools are very expensive and involved facilities to maintain and run, and many communities, particularly the smaller and more isolated ones, are struggling with keeping their pools operating. The main challenges are maintenance and capital development, cost of heating, increased compliance requirements (such as in supervision), change of demographics (fewer school age children, more older people) and decreasing levels of volunteerism.

The aim of the audit was to:

To determine the current physical state of the facility and estimate future maintenance and capital work and cost.
To analyse current operation, use, partnerships and financial situation.
To identify challenges, areas of improvement and opportunities in the above areas that would assist the Otautau Community Swimming Pool to operate as a viable and sustainable facility fulfilling the needs of the user community now and in the future.
To provide comprehensive information that will assist stakeholders to make decisions in regards to this facility.

Keywords:

Pools, Swimming, Operational cost, Facilities, Swimming Pool

How to access

Areas of Focus

Settings (location)

Clubs, Community, Other setting

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

Accomodation and facilities, Facilities (indoor), Pools, Sportsvilles/Multisport centres