'Thank you' to Splash Centre extension workers - 4/10/2007Mayor Michael Laws this afternoon hosted a mayoral 'thank you' for the architects, builders and tradespeople of the Splash Centre extension, by providing beer and pizza for the traditional 'roof shout'.
Principal contractors and their subcontractors – about 65 people in total – were recognised for their efforts in the construction to date.
"I am very impressed by the quality of the work and I believe this project is unique in the challenges it presented to all those involved in the building," said Mayor Laws.
"It is my privilege to be able to 'shout' on this occasion and demonstrate the gratitude and anticipation of the people of Wanganui. This extension, and the facilities it contains, will help make the Splash Centre one of the region's premier aquatic arenas. This will be a major community asset for many years to come."
Mayor Laws said that the Splash Centre extension was going to be much more than a major recreational and sporting amenity "but a celebration of Wanganui's unique form of participatory democracy".
"We must never forget that the people of Wanganui placed this as their number one priority in Referendum '05. They took the opportunity to have their say on how their rates should be spent – and where. I was delighted to offer that opportunity and this building stands as testimony to that unique partnership between council and citizens."
When finished, the Splash Centre will have gained the following:
- Learners' pool
- School teaching/recreation pool
- Toddlers' pool
- Lazy river
- Two spa pools
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Mezzanine complex
- Aquarobic pool
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Two giant hydroslides
The Splash Centre extension should be completed and open to the public by Christmas.
"This is Wanganui's gift to itself. We can't wait to unwrap it," said Mayor Laws. | 
