Half a Million Dollar Grant to Wanaka Pool

Media Release

The Otago Community Trust has made its largest donation this year, pledging $500,000 towards the new Wanaka Swimming Pool.

The $12 million pool will be adjacent to the new Wanaka Sports Facility at Three Parks, the  “greenfields" development behind Puzzling World on State Highway 6.

The donation will assist with the construction of a 25 metre, eight-lane lap pool, a dedicated learn-to-swim pool with an adjoining toddlers pit, and a 15-person hydro therapy pool. The facility will include an administration office, changing facilities, outdoor recreation area and car parking.

The Otago Community Trust’s donation brings the total funds pledged for the pool to $1.5 million.

Trust Chair Ross McRobie is thrilled that the Community Trust has made such a significant donation into the region.

“It’s very important to the community to have this level of financial support from the Trust, and we’re pleased to be part of such exciting plans; the facility is going to be an asset to the Wanaka area,” Mr McRobie said.

Queenstown Lakes District Councillor Calum MacLeod said the donation is a massive boost to the community.   “We’ve spent many years talking about a pool, it’s exciting to see it happening now; we very much appreciate the Otago Community Trust’s support. It goes a long way to lessening the fundraising burden on the local community,” Mr MacLeod said.

It’s hoped construction on the facility will start next year, and it will open in 2017.