Stratford's new aquatic centre set to make a splash this week

Stratford District Council (SDC) is excited to welcome its community to the first official splash at Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday 13 October 2022. With the first 100 Stratford District residents to receive free entry on opening day.

District Mayor Neil Volzke will open the facility to the public on Thursday, and says it’s a day he knows the community has been eagerly waiting for.

“We want to open Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre in style, and we can’t do that without our community. Whether your style is an elegant dive or a manu bomb, this is your chance to make waves and be part of history,” he says.

There will also be free dry walk-through sessions for community members to view the facility and see what it offers, without needing to whip out the togs. The dry sessions will be held on Wednesday 12 October from 4pm-6pm, and on Monday 17 October from 11.30am-1.30pm, and will not interrupt normal pool use.

It’s taken only four years for Stratford’s new aquatic centre to become reality, with just over 18 months of that being construction.

“When the idea of a new pool was introduced as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan, it was very clear that this is what our community wanted,” says Mayor Volzke. “We’re extremely proud of the result and can’t wait to see people using and enjoying it,” he says.

A project of this scale required many hands working together. SDC partnered with local iwi whose contributions, including design elements and the gift of the name ‘Wai O Rua’, enriched the result. Apollo Projects managed the build from start to finish, providing opportunities for local contractors along the way.

“We’ve seen many local people play their part in the physical build of this facility, providing economic benefits to our growing community,” says Mayor Volzke.

The new centre has more than twice the capacity of the old complex, and is home to an 8-lane 25 metre competition pool, 20 metre programme and hydrotherapy pool, learn to swim pool, toddler pool and a zero-depth splash pad, kitted out with a range of interactive water toys.

“Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre is a first-class facility that has something for everyone. It will be enjoyed by not only Stratford residents, but by people right across our region,” says Mayor Volzke.

In 2020 SDC was successful in receiving a grant of $8million through the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund, giving the construction of a new pool the green light earlier than anticipated. The remaining project costs of $12million have been funded through loans and other external funding grants.

“We’re extremely grateful for the external funding received to allow this facility to go ahead, including support from Toi Foundation, Taranaki Electricity Trust and the New Zealand Lotteries Grant Board, and couldn’t have done it without the strong community support behind it,” says Mayor Volzke.

Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre will be fully open to the public from 1pm, 13 October 2022. Bookings can be made now for swim lessons, group fitness, recreation and birthday parties by visiting facilities.stratford.govt.nz or calling 06 765 6275.

Opening week opening hours are:

• Thursday 13 October, 1pm – 4pm
• Friday 14 October, 9am – 4pm
• Saturday 15 October, 9am – 4pm
• Sunday 16 October, 9am – 4pm

Normal opening hours start from Monday 17 October:

• Monday – Friday 6.00am – 6.30pm
• Saturday 7.00am – 5.00pm
• Sunday and Public Holidays 10.00am – 5.00pm