Christchurch summer pools opening Show Weekend
Christchurch City Council outdoor pools and paddling pools will open to the public just in time for the long weekend.
Starting from Saturday, 18 November, residents can enjoy a refreshing dip at the Norman Kirk Memorial pool in Lyttelton, Templeton summer pool, Waltham summer pool, and Jellie Park summer pool in Burnside.
Te Hapua Halswell summer pool follows suit with its opening on Sunday, 19 November.
Earlier, on 21 October, paddling pools in Scarborough, New Brighton, and the Botanic Gardens welcomed visitors, and on 17 November, more paddling pools at Spencer Park, Edgar Macintosh Park, Avebury Park, Woodham Park, and Abberley Park will join in.
Nigel Cox, the Head of Recreation, Sport and Events at the Christchurch City Council, highlighted the popularity of these outdoor pools, noting, “We had over 350,000 visits to our outdoor pools last summer season - almost one swim for every Christchurch resident - and we’re expecting even more this year with all our facilities ready to open on Show Weekend.”
The summer pool season, which runs from 18 November 2023 to 1 April 2024, will be packed with events and activities, including pool parties and the Manu Competitions. Cox urges residents to stay updated via the Rec and Sport Facebook page or website for details on participation.
Cox also emphasizes the variety of facilities available across the Council’s five outdoor pools, such as hydro slides, lane pools, toddlers’ pools, BBQ hire, and picnic areas. He reminds visitors to check the opening hours and sign up for membership systems at Templeton and Norman Kirk pools.
Templeton Summer Pool offers an $80 season pass, allowing members to bring guests provided they leave payment in the honesty box. A similar system is in place at Lyttelton, where lifeguards will be on duty at the Norman Kirk Memorial Pool between 11.30 am and 7 pm, from 18 November 2023 to 28 January 2024.
