Party time as pool celebrates 25 years

Sharron Pardoe Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

H2O Xtream is celebrating its 20th birthday with a month of events for all ages.

The Upper Hutt pool's birthday is on December 12 and the council is celebrating the milestone with a range of events to cater for all pool users.

The celebrations started on December 3 with a TeenWave for kids aged eight to 13.

On December 8 t Xtream Toddler Time will be held from 9am to 11am. This event is for under 5 year-olds and will include guest appearances from Santa and his Elf, Kev the Kiwi, a mermaid, and a giant duck.

"On December 12, along with Mayor Wayne Guppy, we will be celebrating, and honouring our longstanding customers who have been with us from the very beginning," council recreation services manager Rachel Jury. said.

A special Wavebreaker's Pool Party for the centre's learn-to-swim customers will be held on December 17 from 11am – 1pm.

The festivities will culminate in the 20th Birthday Pool Party on December 18, from 11am – 3pm. This event is open to all ages at 1996 prices—$2 per person and free slides.

"We've also managed to source our original uniform from when we first opened as the Upper Hutt Leisure Centre," Jury said.

"Staff will be modelling these purple gems from December 10."

New pool toys will be arriving throughout the month, including an brand new Aqua Run inflatable.

The original Aqua Run was the facility's first inflatable, having made the move from Upper Hutt's previous outdoor Maidstone Pool complex.