$1 to use Waiouru facilities

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 409, 22 October 1991, Page 10

$1 to use Waiouru facilities

BY

JO

HOWIE

As from 8 October non-residents of the Waiouru community who are not Defence employees will pay a dollar to use the Waiouru pool, gymnasium or squash courts. "This is purely for operating costs," said Major Ashcroft. "The charge will cover all running expenses of these facilities. But Waiouru residents are entitled to full use of all the facilities free, as always."

All public bookings of venues from outside Waiouru are to be co-or-dinated through Major Ashcroft, Headquarters Army Training Group Support Unit, Waiouru. The Regional Physical Training Advisor, Jack Milford, said the recreational area is very popular with soldiers, civilian residents and local groups. He said on average three groups per week would use them. These groups include different sport teams,

schools, government access schemes and various community groups. Family passes are being made and are expected to be available from the gym this month. If a person is unable to display an identification card or pass, then they may be asked to pay or be refused entry. "This is on a trial basis and even though it could be difficult to monitor, we hope it will work", Mr Milford said.

"We have also been concerned about the lack of supervision for children at the pool, so a closer monitoring of swimming badges will be scrutinized by staff," Children under the age of 12 years wishing to use the facility without parent supervision, and personnel who wish to use the facility but display an obvious lack of water confidence within the large swimming pool will be expected to sit the swim test. A pass in all five

phases of the test will mean an overall pass and the successful swimmer will be awarded a swim badge. "Parents are encouraged to directly liaise with the swimming club or swimming pool staff to arrange times for the test. The physical training staff and I want to support the soldiers and members of the community in every way we can in their physical, recreational and sporting endeavours," said Mr Milford.