Swimmers visiting NPDC’s Waitara Pool this summer can look forward to better, more accessible facilities.

The upgrades to the changing rooms include accessible toilets, showers and a change table.

NPDC Aquatics Programme Lead Blair Haase says the improvements will make a real difference for those with limited mobility.

“These new changing rooms are designed to make swimming at our pools more accessible for everyone. They are big enough for wheelchairs, prams or other mobility devices, and it’s great to see our spaces evolving to meet the needs of all pool users.”

The work at Waitara Pool follows a series of accessibility upgrades across NPDC’s community pools. In 2024, Ōkato pool saw improvements to its accessible toilets, following similar work at Fitzroy Pool the previous year.

Additional upgrades include new shading at Inglewood pool, as well as new membrane; or pool lining, at Inglewood and Fitzroy Pools, which will reduce the amount of maintenance required for upkeep.

Waitara, Inglewood and Ōkato community pools open for the season on November 15 with the shallow pool in Fitzroy opening December 20.

Find out more about what’s on offer and opening hours at community swimming pools on our website (npdc.govt.nz/pools).

Fast Facts:

• NPDC’s pools have about 410,000 visits each year, including about 370,000 to the TEAC.
• Seasonal pools at Fitzroy, Ōkato, Waitara and Inglewood are only open through summer.

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