A new aquatic climbing wall is set to be the latest addition to Turangi’s popular Turtle Pools – and it’s set to be a hit with adults and children alike when it’s installed later this month, in time for the July school holidays.
The climbing wall will sit on the edge of the deep pool and be accessible from the water. It was purchased for $39,000 after the Turangi Tongariro Community Board submitted on behalf of its community during the Long-term Plan process. It asked for more play equipment at the pools and councillors agreed to fund the climbing wall.
The equipment was chosen because it was a safe, unique piece of equipment that would suit all ages.
Business and operations manager Scott Attenborough said the climbing wall would tower about 3.5 metres above the water.
“It will be great fun for people to climb up – and if they lose their footing along the way, they’ll have a nice landing in forgiving water,” he said. “It is one of only a handful in the country and is a special asset for our Turangi community.”
The popular Margaret Sweeney Challenge is also due to kick off at the pools on July 1. Entrants have three months to swim a total of 50km or 25km, so this is a great way to challenge yourself and boost your fitness. To sign up to the challenge, talk to our lovely staff at the Turtle Pools reception.