Tauranga’s Memorial Pool will permanently close after a final community celebration this Easter weekend, marking the end of an era for the 70-year-old facility. The outdoor pool, a fixture of summer for generations of local families, will not reopen for the spring season as usual.
In a media release, Tauranga City Council confirmed it had accepted a recommendation from pool operator Bay Venues to decommission the facility. The decision stems from the pool's deteriorating condition and escalating maintenance costs, which are no longer sustainable.
The closure paves the way for a significant redevelopment of the site, which is located within the historic Memorial Park. The park itself, originally named Centennial Park in 1940, was renamed after the Second World War and serves as a central hub for recreation and remembrance in Tauranga, featuring playgrounds, a miniature railway, and cenotaphs honouring fallen soldiers.
Bay Venues chief executive Chad Hooker said the pool, built in 1955, has long been plagued by significant age-related issues. “Key issues with the pool include significant leaks and ongoing issues with the heating system that regularly result in expensive remedial and maintenance costs, along with booking cancellations and delayed pool openings,” he said. Mr Hooker added that the pool's usage levels did not justify the high cost of keeping it operational.
A new aquatic centre rises
While the closure marks the end of a cherished community asset, plans are already in motion for its replacement. The site is earmarked for a new, modern Memorial Park Aquatic Centre, though the council is currently back at the drawing board to refine the design.
Last year, the council paused a $105 million plan developed during the tenure of government-appointed commissioners, citing concerns that the design did not offer sufficient value for money. A sum of $50,000 was then approved to develop new concept designs, a process now being guided by a project steering group comprising councillors and subject-matter experts.
We know how important aquatic facilities are for the people of Tauranga and are committed to building additional facilities for our community.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale acknowledged the community's sadness over the pool's closure but emphasised that the new facility would represent a major upgrade. The proposed redevelopment aims to create a comprehensive aquatic centre catering to a wide range of users, with facilities for lane swimming, aquatic sports, hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim programmes, and family recreation. The inclusion of hydrotherapy will be particularly welcomed by Tauranga's large retiree population and those undergoing physical rehabilitation.
Investment across the city-wide network
The Memorial Park redevelopment is part of a broader city-wide strategy to upgrade and maintain Tauranga's public aquatic facilities. The council has also committed to keeping the Ōtūmoetai Pool open, reversing a previous decision that had slated it for closure. Early last year, councillors approved a $5.71 million investment for maintenance and upgrades at Ōtūmoetai between 2027 and 2033, which will include upgrading the plant room and filtration system and adding entry ramps to improve accessibility.
In addition to upgrading its existing assets, the council is partnering with the Mount Maunganui Aquatic Centre Trust to create a 50-metre outdoor training pool at Mount Maunganui College. The council has approved a loan-funded grant of more than $5 million to support extending the college's 60-year-old pool from 33 metres to 50 metres. Mr Drysdale said this new facility is expected to open next summer, with the council also subsidising its community use. Tauranga's public swimming network also includes the Baywave and Greerton aquatic centres. However, the city's options have been constrained since the Mount Hot Pools facility was closed indefinitely following damage from the January 22 Mauao landslide, placing more pressure on the remaining pools. Similarly, in California, a former racetrack is being turned into a park.
One last splash for the community
To celebrate the pool's long history, Bay Venues is offering free entry to all swimmers this Easter long weekend, from Friday to Monday. “There will be free inflatables and plenty of fun on offer for the whole family, so come along and have one last splash,” Mr Hooker said.
Following the public closure on Tuesday, the pool will host one final, unusual event. Next Saturday, after water levels are lowered and chlorine is removed, local dog owners are invited to bring their four-legged friends for a "Pooch in the Pool" day, providing a quirky and memorable send-off for the beloved facility. A similar initiative was recently approved by the Auckland Council for a different kind of public space.
The council is expected to confirm its preferred timeline and funding approach for the new Memorial Park Aquatic Centre as part of the upcoming Annual Plan process.
