Published: 19 November 2024
Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness is designed for universal access, so everyone can access its fun features – regardless of their abilities.
This means flat and near-level access to all pool facilities except for the stairs to the zoom tubes. The pool has accessible toilets in the reception area, in the staff locker room and in the fitness centre. In addition, there are three accessible change rooms with toilets dry side and two more poolside. One of these has an accessibility hoist/change table for wheelchair users.
Community input has ensured the pool and gym is accessible for all, including the 25% of the population with some kind of impairment affecting their ability to get around.
Head of Aquatics Iain Brown said the staff at Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness were looking forward to seeing people of all abilities have fun.
“The pool is about improving the health and wellbeing of people in our community and providing another way for folk to connect with each other. That’s why it’s so important everyone can enjoy the facilities.”
Raewyn Hailes, Regional Access Coordinator for CCS Disability Action, said the key to delivering great accessibility was lots of community input identifying what’s needed.
“For example, it’s huge to have a fully adjustable changing table. Often people have to use the floor, which is not great.”
Raewyn says 14% of the population is deemed legally blind. And with an ageing population there’s a loss of physical abilities, hearing and balance.
Across our community, impairments include physical, sensory, intellectual, vision and hearing, as well as neurodivergent people.
“We wanted to ensure the pool works for everyone, so it’s been great that all the suggestions were taken up.
“The project team listened and added all kinds of aids so it’s as functional as possible.”
Among the other accessibility features are:
- Three locations within the pool complex to transfer wheelchair users to the pools using a pelican hoist which is self-powered or can be assisted.
- Six accessible car parks adjacent to the pool entrance, two designed to allow side or rear exit from the vehicle. In addition, there are two accessibility car parks in the dedicated car park beside the pool, all within easy access of the pool that is flat and level.
- The reception counter has accessibility features, and throughout the facility, there is wayfinding signage for people with low vision.