End of an Era

End of an Era

History comes around quickly. The Olympic pool officially closed its doors on Sunday August 20th 2023. Here we are, almost a year later and the facility has been demolished marking the close of an era that lasted nearly half a century.

The place needs no introduction but here's a brief history. The pool was in large part driven into existence by my Grandmother Beth Meade, who came up with the initial vision and spearheaded a committee that raised the capital necessary to get it built. The doors eventually opened to the public on September 14 1974. Those early days of the pool boasted a full outdoor facility, providing great swimming experience under the roasting Gisborne sun. The complex was originally designed to be used for the summer season only and shut down in winter.

Here’s a few images I dug up from the Gisborne Photo News ArchIVES from the early 1970’s

When the pool was covered in 1995 the facility finally had the weather-proof comforts necessary to remain open all year round. Realistically we were swimming in a tent - sometimes with 2 degree air temperature on frosty mornings, but a balmy 28 degree water more often than not. No complaints from anyone - on those cold winter mornings everyone left the place a bit tougher than they arrived. The 25 meter bulkhead was a unique marvel of engineering. a one of a kind mechanism which enabled a 5 minute switch over between the 25m and 50m pool by simply inflating the submerged stainless steel wall and releasing a latch. The facility has played a major role in the development of local athletes and water enthusiasts past and present. These images were taken on the final weekend that the Olympic Pool was open to the public before permanently closing.

A 30 shot panorama fitting the whole pool into the frame - resulting in fisheye like distortion. Captured on the final weekend the pool was open to the public.

No frills at the front gate - lucky the staff were friendly.

The weathered pool bottom showing its age towards the end but still holding strong.

We swam inside a tent but it was a bloody good one.

Former Comet Coach and pool manager Greg Meade showed up on the final day for a 200m send off.

Dave Drummond and Roger Quinn ready to rip in.

Seeing the pool finally being demolished this week is a bit of a strange sight. One of Gisborne's great holes in the ground is finally being returned to dirt. Lane one is officially now gone with the others soon to follow - the wrap of a great era will that no doubt have meaning to many.

Pethaps the last image to be captured of the pool somewhat intact. It’s a shame about those starting blocks.

Some of the final images you will see of the facility that was.

As one chapter closes another begins. The community is lucky to now have the Kiwa pools literally built on the same site which provided an immediate transition to the public. A fantastic facility with all the modern features you’d expect from a world class racing pool, but perhaps without the character and soul of its predecessor. this place will provide a lot of community value moving forwards - there’s no doubt. The future looks bright!

Glen Sutton and his squad enjoy the sparkling new facility.