Removable ramp confirmed for Coastlands Aquatic Centre

A removable ramp has been approved for the main pool at Coastlands Aquatic Centre.

The Dutch manufacturers of the pool's moveable floor, VarioPool, last week confirmed that a locally designed stainless steel removable ramp could be used without voiding warranties.

Additional funding of up to $100,000 for the cost of the ramp was approved for inclusion in the 2013-2014 Annual Plan at Thursday's Council meeting. The extra funding is required because no existing product is available that suits the pool's moveable floor, so a custom designed solution is required.

This means Council can now finalise the design and put the ramp's manufacture out to tender.

It would not be finished in time for the 10 August opening but it is hoped it will be ready for use by early October.

"There has been some concern about access for people with disabilities, so we are pleased to have reached this solution," says Group Manager Community Services, Tamsin Evans.

"VarioPool has previously stated a removable ramp was technically and operationally not workable with this moveable floor," says Ms Evans. "But they agreed to look at a New Zealand design and have advised they are happy for us to continue so long as the agreed procedure for getting the ramp in and out of the water is always followed."

The ramp would be used in the shallow (moveable floor) end of the pool and taken out as required for activities needing the whole pool at the full depth of 2.4 metres, such as water polo training and swimming competitions.

Meanwhile, Council also agreed to purchase electronic timing equipment and associated technology needed to attract swimming competitions and water polo events.

Raumati Swimming Club was investigating options to purchase the equipment but to date has been unable to acquire the funding. The club's submission to the Annual Plan asking Council to underwrite the purchase says timing equipment is normally owned by aquatic centres rather than swimming clubs.

Council agreed to purchase the equipment which it would then own, at a cost of up to $115,000 plus GST, subject to the outcome of current funding applications.