Record numbers make a splash at Mangakino Pool

Recent refurbishments and removal of the entry fee made Mangakino Community Pool a popular destination this summer, with record numbers of swimmers taking a dip.

This January, 1241 visits were made to the Taupō District Council’s Mangakino Pool, compared to 33 visits in January last year.

The decision to remove the entry fee was based around low visitor numbers to the pool, which is usually open to the public from mid-December to the end of February.

The pool, which is manned by a staff of fully qualified lifeguards and assistants, has been operating since 2007 and this is the first summer that the entry has been free. The record numbers are even more impressive as it was only open for two months this summer due to a refurbishment in December.

Council district aquatics manager Ryno Nienaber views the pool as a great asset to the community and wanted to come up with a way to encourage its use over summer, rather than see another year of dwindling numbers.

“The pool is a great place for people to spend their time, it provides a fun and safe environment that encourages physical activity and wellbeing. I’m pleased to see that the free entry has been well received by the local community and visitors alike.”

Outside of public hours, the pool is used by students at the Mangakino School and for the provision of the Contact Swim Well lessons.

The pool is now closed for the season and will reopen in December.

For more information on swimming in our district visit taupo.govt.nz/recreation/swimming-pools.