Campaigners wanting to save Hamilton's last open-air public swimming pool hope the council will come to its senses and refurbish it.
Hamilton's last public open-air pool hasn't yet been demolished but the council plans to do so next year. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae
The Municipal Pools in Victoria Street in the central city were closed in 2012 but have not yet been demolished.
The city council is planning to do it next year after it publically notifies its intention in February.
But Katherine Luketina of Sink Or Swim says there is an acute shortage of public pools in Hamilton.
"The Municipal Pools are in a prime position to service six local schools that are within walking distance and it is on bus routes."
Ms Luketina hopes the council will see sense and refurbish the pools.
"Swimming outdoors has substantial health benefits because you are not breathing in chlorinated-air."
Sink Or Swim wants the public to let their councillors know that they wish to save the pools and invest its repair and reopening.
Ms Luketina said when the pools first closed in 2012 industry advice was that it would cost about $5.5m but the latest cost estimate is nearer to $10m.
