The SDHB has allocated funds to fix the broken-down equipment which caused the closure of the pool on 20 May, although importantly, no timeframe has been given by the SDHB for practical completion of the work.
In the expectation that the broken-down equipment will be fixed eventually, the trust has been paying the wages of its lifeguards, even though there has been no work for them. However, as there is still no timeframe for completion of the remedial work, the trustees have had to make the difficult decision as of Friday 20 August to cease paying the lifeguards their wages and make them redundant. The trustees hope that when the pool is ready to reopen the lifeguards can be reemployed if they are available.
The trust has asked the SDHB to agree to a waiver of a major portion of what the trust pays towards the SDHB’s operating costs. This would allow the trust to become financially viable in the short term while it continued with its fundraising plan for upgrades to the pool. Upgrades are essential and urgent as equipment is failing and the pool is developing a dilapidated appearance. They will achieve savings in operating costs and make the pool a safer and more welcoming place to exercise. At this stage the SDHB has made no decision about a waiver. This is likely to be weeks and possibly months away. Without this waiver or an alternative short term solution the trust will not be in a satisfactory financial position to reopen the pool when the remedial work on the broken equipment is completed.
The trust and the SDHB will also have to address the issue of the energy source for heating the water for the pool as the coal fired plant currently servicing the hospital is likely to close down around 2028.
The trustees remain committed to advocating for the pool and the therapeutic benefits for its users.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The pool will be closed at 12pm on Sunday 22 December and will reopen at 6.30am on Monday 13 January 2020.
We are excited to confirm that Swimsation Swim Schools will be opening their newest swim school, Swimsation Dunedin Cityat the Physio Pool.
Lessons available for babies (from three months) and children.
Monday – 3.30pm to 6.30pm and 8.15pm to 9.15pm
Tuesday – 6.45am to 8.15am, 9am to 11am and 8.15pm to 9.15pm
Wednesday – 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Thursday – 6.45am to 8.15am, 9am to 11am, 3.30pm to 6.30pm and 8.15pm to 9.15pm
Saturday – 8.30am to 11.30am
Swimming classes will run for 30 minutes, allowing for plenty of skill practice. Squad classes for more advanced swimmers will run for between 45 to 60 minutes. Their Spring-Summer term will start on Tuesday 28th August and will run until the end of the fourth school term.
If you aren’t sure what level your child is at, they are running free assessments on Wednesday 29 August. Please book for this.
As from 1 July 2018 pool admission charges will be increased as follows:
Single swim – adult or child 5 years and over $9
Single swim – child up to 5 years $2
10 swim concession ticket$70
10 swim concession ticket for those with a currentmedical certificate $60
10 swim concession ticket for adults 65 years and over $60
Pool hire with life guard supplied – per hour $180
The last increase in pool admission charges occurred in September 2017.Thisnewincrease, effective from 1 July, is brought about by the following factors:
costs continue to rise and they need to be covered,
costs exceed revenue by a significant amount and
part of the strategic plan to reach viability is to increase pool admission charges progressively.
The biggest cost is the amount which the trust pays to the SDHB, mainly for heating. In 2014, under threat of closure of the pool, the trust had to agree to a significant increase in the amount which it was paying to the SDHB. From January2015 the amountincreasedfrom $42,667 (plus GST) per annum to $142,663 (plus GST). Since then, the trust has been funding the excess of costs over revenue fromthe donations received from the public during the Save the Physio Pool from Closure fundraising campaign and grants from organisations such as BendigoValleySports & CharityFoundation.One of the objectives of the fundraising campaign was to raise sufficient money to assist with operating costs as the trust moved towards viability. The other objectives were to upgrade the pool, resolve obvious deferred maintenance issues and achieve savings in heating costs. Part of the planfor achieving viability was to increase admission charges progressively. Although the upgrade and the change of cost structure has been delayed because of the planning for the redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital the trust has had to continue with progressively increasing admission charges as part of the task of keeping the pool open to the public.
The trust is now able to return to negotiations with the SDHB to obtain a long term lease of the pool and then resume the fundraising campaign. A long term lease is a critical prerequisite to being successful in seeking grants for the upgrade and donations from the public for operating costs.
A significant part of the future for the pool lies in the continued support from the public. The trustees acknowledge this support and hope that it continues.
Take part in the 5th Worldwide Aquathon at the Physio Pool on Saturday 11th November 2017 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to complete all three hours.
Entry is $10 plus sponsors and donations – get your sponsorship form from the pool or on the Aqua Aerobics Facebook Group. Our instructors donate their time and all money raised goes to the Physio Pool!
As from 4 September 2017 pool admission charges will be increased as follows:
Single swim – adult or child 5 years and over $8
Single swim – child under 5 years $2
10 swim concession card $60
10 swim concession card for adults 65 years and over $50
10 swim concession card for those with a current medical certificate $50
Pool hire with lifeguard supplied $180 per hour
The last increase in pool admission charges occurred in January 2015. This increase, effective from 4 September, is brought about by the following factors:
costs continue to rise and they need to be covered,
costs exceed revenue by a significant amount and
part of the strategic plan to reach viability is to increase pool admission charges progressively.
The single biggest cost is the amount which the trust pays to the SDHB, mainly for heating. In 2014, under threat of closure of the pool, the trust had to agree to a significant increase in the amount which it was paying to the SDHB. From January 2015 the amount increased from $42,667 per annum to $142,663 (plus GST). Since then, the trust has been funding the excess of costs over revenue from the donations received from the public during the Save the Pool from Closure campaign and grants from organisations such as Bendigo Valley Sports & Charity Foundation. The trustees foresaw the need to divide the campaign into two fundraising components, one for future operating costs and the other for the upgrade of the pool. In addition to resolving obvious deferred maintenance issues the upgrade was intended to achieve savings in heating costs. However, because of the proposed redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital the upgrade had to be postponed. The trust had also planned to increase admission charges progressively following the upgrade to move towards viability. Even though a decision about the redevelopment of the hospital is still awaited the trust has to proceed with increasing admission charges.
After hosting a successful Jewellery Evening fundraiser back in July, pool regular Beth Hastie is hosting a second Jewellery Evening on Wednesday 16th November at 7pm.
A selection of beautiful jewellery and watches will be available to purchase from only $5. Nibbles and drinks are provided. Held at 61 Old Brighton Road, Fairfield.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the pool. Funds raised from ticket sales will be donated to the Physio Pool!
The Worldwide Aquathon 2016 is on at the Physio Pool Saturday 12th November 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Join our instructors for three continuous hours (six half-hour sessions) of Aqua Aerobics fun, it is up to you how much you do!
Entry is $10 and sponsor forms are available at the pool – find generous people to sponsor you for every half hour you are in the pool. All money raised is going to the pool!
