Christchurch’s Pioneer celebrates 20 years with party for all ages

For 20 years, John Kuipers has been a regular at Pioneer Pool, swimming against the retirement tide to stay fit and active as he floats into his 80s.

As preparations power up for the Pioneer Pool Party 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Mr Kuipers, 82, plans to kick on into the next decade.

“I have been a regular since the pool opened,” he says.

John Kuipers, right, relaxes in the hot pool with friends William Pierson, left, and Grant Lomax..

“I go five days a week but I only use the leisure pool now. When I was 65, I did 65 laps but now I do about 20 laps in the leisure pool.

“I used to also go regularly to the gym, but now I go one day a week and do gentle exercise.”

Mr Kuipers, who owned Sydenham Bakery for 44 years, says he also values the social contacts of catching up with friends at Pioneer.

“It is close to home and a great facility.”

Swimmers of all ages are invited to join the two-hour Pioneer Pool Party on Saturday, celebrating 20 years of delivering waves of fun to the city’s south-west.

A DJ, games, spot prizes and giveaways will set the stage for an action-packed party, which will kick off at 5.30pm.

Christchurch City Council Customer and Programmes Manager Jacquie Hibbs says the Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre has proved to be a highly popular focal point for the community for 20 years.

“Thousands of youngsters have learnt to swim at Pioneer while people of all ages continue to enjoy the lazy river and wave pool,” Mrs Hibbs says.

“It’s only fitting that we acknowledge one of our most popular local community assets with a pool party,” she says.

To book a party spot on Saturday, visit the Pioneer reception or phone 941 8999.

Tickets cost $3.50 for children and $6 for adults.

Long-time Pioneer Pool user John Kuipers stays fit with regular swims.