community facility funding policy

Price changes out for public consultation
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been consulting on the future pricing of recreation and sports facilities around the region. This could see significant discounts for junior sports users as well as charitable organisations. Pending the council’s adoption of the policy, Lakes Leisure will be tasked with implementing the new fees and charges.

The draft policy was tabled at the council’s community services meeting on 10 November and then released for public consultation. The submissions period is now open after which QLDC will consider adopting the policy at a future council meeting.

We will keep you informed of developments through this newsletter and how any changes might affect community use of Lakes Leisure facilities.

christmas is coming

Christmas at Lakes Leisure includes a line up of events and festive fun. Visit Santa’s Grotto, take part in the Silent Auction or the More FM Creative Christmas Short Story Writing Competition and make sure you and the kids don’t miss the Shotover Jet Remarkable Christmas Spectacular.

Santa’s Grotto 1-21 December
A festive wonderland is to be created this December with the Shotover Jet Christmas Tree Grotto. 30 beautiful trees will adorn the foyer of the Events Centre, each sponsored and decorated by a local organisation. Vote for your favourite tree with a gold coin donation, all proceeds to Branches Camp Trust. Santa will take Christmas wishes from all kids naughty and nice on Thursday to Saturday afternoons from 11-2pm.

Fantastic Christmas gift ideas
We have the perfect stocking fillers for you this Christmas. How about gym or pool membership for the fitness lover in your family, or even a new pair of Speedos? Surprise that special someone with tickets for the NZ Golf Open, the Super 14 Rugby Game or the 2010 Winery Tour at Millbrook Estate featuring Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn.

aquatics

Arrowtown opens for summer
Arrowtown Memorial Pool opens on Monday 7 December for a fun-packed summer of swimming. Remember that if you have a membership to ANY of the district’s pools (Alpine Aqualand, Wanaka Pool or Arrowtown) you have FREE admission to both other pools. Arrowtown pool will be open daily 11am-6pm until 28 February. Click  here for pool information.

Meet ‘Paddles’ the Polar Bear
Well done to 3-year old Harrison Rogers of Queenstown who won our ‘name the bear’ competition last month Harrison chose the name because polar bears paddle (of course!) and was selected from 150 other entries to win a term’s free swimming lessons. He also enjoyed a big hug from our newly named water safety mascot when collecting his prize.

Staying safe on the water
This month sees the start of the ‘Aquatic Education Programme’. Primary School kids from many of the district’s schools will follow a six-week course to teach them how to be safe in the pool and outdoors on lakes and rivers. Also joining us this summer is Makarora Primary which kicks off its programme at Wanaka Community Pool. Look out for some guest appearances from Paddles the polar bear!

A huge thank you to NZSki for providing transport to and from Alpine Aqualand for the school children participating in the programme. And also to Kawarau Jet for providing the Queenstown programmes with an exciting ride along with information about boat safety on Lake Wakatipu.

The Challenge is on!
More than 30 swimmers have already started our Challenge Swim to circumnavigate the 155km Lake Wakatipu shoreline in the nice warm water of Alpine Aqualand’s pool. Competitors record their laps every session and have their progress plotted on our giant map.

Challenge Swim runs until 28 March. Entry is FREE (regular pool charges apply) so come along and get involved. It’s a great fitness target and there are some fantastic spot prizes to keep you motivated along the way.

Thanks to Grind Cafe, Hamills, Pete Ross Automotive and Onsen Hot Pools for sponsoring this event.

Aquatics news in brief…
•    Swim classes: Spaces are still available for this term’s swim classes at all age groups from six months to adult. Register online, phone us on 03 450 9115 or email swimschool@lakesleisure.co.nz. 

•    Kayak rolling: Casual drop-in sessions are held at Alpine Aqualand each Friday evening between 7-9pm for you to practice this essential safety technique. An instructor will usually be on hand to offer guidance. Bring your own kayak (which must be clean!).

•    Buy your summer togs now: We have a great range in our Speedo shop at the pool entrance including some great sale bargains.

•    Hydroslide update: A design review has been received by QLDC and we are very near to implementing a solution with our engineering contractors. We look forward to reopening the fast slide as soon as possible. The longer not-so-fast slide continues to offer heaps of fun in the meantime.

get back on the turf

The eight-week renewal programme carried out by our turf team has been a great success with new spring grass growing well. This small window of opportunity is vital in improving the quality not only of our international standard turf but also number two fields, practice wickets and community sports fields around the region.

Many thanks to all teams and organisers for their understanding and patience while the turf recovers. Having consistently excellent pitches over the summer will make the short break well worth it!

venues

Improvements at Arrowtown
Following a consultation with community user groups, we are about to start work at Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall. The old stage curtain will be replaced with new fabric and kitchen renovations will include new ovens, benches and flooring. Thanks to everyone who helped with the recent spring clean which filled two skips with rubbish and unwanted items.

New event equipment for hire
Lakes Leisure on behalf of Council has invested in some new equipment to help grow the district’s infrastructure resources available for community and commercial events. Two portacom blocks, 8 portaloos and a movable 3 x 82-seat tiered unit are now available for organisers to use throughout the district. For more information contact Karen Gemmell on 03 450 9105 or email karen@lakesleisure.co.nz.