Go Waipā Facilities team leader, Carmen Mackey-Morgan and Waipā District Council’s Sally Sheedy (right) appreciate the glowing comments from the disability community.
Cambridge’s new pool has received a big tick of approval from the disability community following claims last year the changing facilities were not fit for purpose.
Brian Prescott, one of many parents who complained soon after Puna Kaukau O Te Oko Horoi (Perry Aquatic Centre) opened in May last year, said Waipā District Council now had a “great” facility.
Strategy and Community Services acting group manager Sally Sheedy told The News she was thrilled with the feedback.
Council had spent $46,000 on an adult changing table and a hoist in the accessible changing room, and it was this investment Prescott said had made a huge improvement.
His 16-year-old daughter Anna has polymicrogyria (a brain disorder) is in a wheelchair and weighs nearly 50kg. She has cerebral palsy type symptoms and needs constant assistance.
The hydrotherapy pool is a big favourite with her as with support she can float and move through the water.
Joseph Leet is another regular pool user. He has cerebral palsy but now with the help of caregiver Cody Brown can change in the accessible room rather than at home.
Sheedy said the council always wanted to get things right at the community-owned facility which is managed by the Waipā Community Facilities Trust (Go Waipā) which also manages and operates the Te Awamutu centre.
Joseph Leet is a regular user of the accessible changing room and the Cambridge pool complex.
