Re: Letter titled ‘This is fiscal madness...’ published in The Weekend Sun, January 26, 2024, edition.

After reading this Letter to the Editor about Memorial Park Aquatic Centre from Rob Paterson, I agree totally with his comments about the inclusion of a Olympic-sized 50m pool.

Further to that I would say the Bay of Plenty has been waiting a long, long time needing for what I consider not only two full eight-lane 50m pools but also the addition of full-sized Olympic diving platforms and pool. This could have happened instead of eight 25m pools etc. There is a definite need for the future training of young Olympic hopefuls – not bombing pools and splash pads. Even Rotorua had the Blue Baths, which had diving platforms in the old days.

Imagine the extra income to the Bay with people coming to train and the addition of inter-club/provincial competitive swimming carnivals! If we are to spend so much ratepayers’ money let it be used wisely. There could also be provision for smaller pools for children.

James Newman, Mount Maunganui.

Editor’s note: According to council press releases in December 2023, Memorial Park’s new aquatic centre will feature a toddler pool, three hydroslides, bombing pools, splash pad, and eight indoor 25m swimming lanes and two outdoor lanes – at a cost of $122.25m.