The Cambridge pool was added to the trust’s stable in May.
Attendance at Waipā’s two community facilities in Te Awamutu and Cambridge is up 30.5 per cent, or nearly 60,000 more visitors, over the previous year.
The financial year, which ended on June 30, was described by the facilities’ operators as the most “challenging” ever.
Waipā Community Facilities Trust runs the operations of the Te Awamutu Events Centre under a 2018 service agreement with Waipā District Council. The centre includes the Livingstone Aquatic Centre, the ASB Stadium and the Club Waipā gymnasium. The trust added the Cambridge Perry Aquatic Centre to its stable in May.
Visitor numbers to the swimming pools, despite closures due to Covid-19, were up 20.8 per cent or nearly 24,500 people.
Chief executive Matt Horne told the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee it was the stadium which bore the brunt of restrictions.
“Regular bookings, competitions and events were postponed or cancelled as restrictions prevented these from operating safely.”
The 28,592 visitors were up on the previous year but 9000 visitors down on 2018-2019.
While Club Waipā membership was up from 780 to 906, actual income was down by $67,288, or a third, as the trust put membership on hold.
It was early days for the Cambridge Aquatic Centre with only six weeks’ operation.
But 16,640 people used the pool and numbers continue to hold up well despite the recent second lockdown.
The trust’s star is Swim Waipā which offers a wide range of swim programmes for all ages and abilities.
Total membership is 1527 comprising 572 in Cambridge and 955 in Te Awamutu.
Pool water quality and temperatures were within or slightly higher than recommended ranges while compliments were up and complaints down.
The trust’s deficit for the year was $867,864 made up of $3.115 million in revenue and $3.38 million expenditure.
Council’s funding contribution was $2.124 million with another $82,760 towards capital renewal.
