January 2007

QEII pool available for community hire

Muslims or any group searching for a swimming pool in which to exercise have access to a 25m pool at QEII Park which they can hire to exercise with privacy and without compromising any religious or other values.

Last week, Muslims in Christchurch sought publicity for their search to find facilities which allowed Muslim women to swim without a hijab (headscarf) or burqa (face covering).

Council Recreation and Sports Manager Mr Filsell says the Council had recognised in its Aquatic Facilities Plan the need to provide within the city a safe environment where various sectors of the community could access recreational aquatic activities.

"The hardest aspect of getting people to exercise is to get them to take the first step outside their comfort zone. Most important is providing them with an environment that is as safe as possible.

"There are those who are conscious of their bodies for health or modesty reasons who want privacy when exercising. There are also a number of women's groups which want exclusive use of aquatic facilities, such as is common with many gyms," he says.

When finalising the Aquatic Facilities Plan, the Council recognised their needs by making available a 25m pool at QEII Park for this purpose. This pool has recently been refurbished, can be curtained off for privacy and is able to be booked for exclusive use.

Mr Filsell noted suggestions had been made in the media this week that the Council provide such groups as the Muslim women with access to pools that had been closed for their private use.

"To get people active you must provide them with an environment conducive in which to exercise. The pools Council has closed do not meet New Zealand standards; many have failed and do not provide that important year-round access to exercise in a safe, warm environment."

He says the pool at QEII meets the above criteria and is available for use by any groups who wish to hire it.

ENDS

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