Girl enjoying our inflatable at Cannons Creek Pool.
For 50 years Porirua City youngsters have learned to swim at Cannons Creek pool and the tradition continues today.
This month the pool turns 50 and a community focussed celebration to mark the milestone is being held next weekend.
Pool and Business Improvement Manager Phil Waggott, says Cannons Creek Pool opened in January 1968 and for 30 years it was the only public pool in Porirua until the Arena Aquatic Centre opened in January 1998.
“The pool has gone through many changes over the years but Learn to Swim classes has been its main priority,” Phil says.
“You would be hard pressed to find a local Porirua resident who didn’t go to Cannons Creek Pool to learn to swim. The pool today still carries on this tradition through the Dash Swim School and most Porirua schools come to the pool for their swimming lessons.”
Phil says in the last seven years the pool has had a major facelift and it looks brand new again with new pool surroundings and a full upgrade of the plant room.
“To celebrate the pool’s 50th we’re having a community day on Saturday 27 January and Housing New Zealand has jumped on board to partner with us.”
From 8am to 12 noon there will be a sponsored swim to raise money that will fund free Learn to Swim lessons for local tamariki who otherwise would be unable to take lessons. Then from 12 noon to 5pm there will be free access to the pool with a DJ and inflatables adding to the enjoyment.
Also from 11am to 1pm Housing New Zealand has organised Kenny McFadden to run basketball drills and games in the Cage. Food trucks will also be in site to keep everyone’s energies up.
Anyone wanting to enter a team for the swimathon can check out the Dash facebook page or email [email protected]. Organisations who would like to help sponsor the event can contact Phil by email at [email protected].
“Mayor Mike Tana is looking forward to joining in the fun and will be at the event from 11am – 2pm so come on down and enjoy join in the fun!”
17 Jan 2018
