This is where we actually had our Christmas Day picnic.
Although I could find very little information on the place, I did find a few articles.
The Ototoka Stream feeds what was once a community swimming pool known as
William Birch Pool.
It was built in the 1934 and used by Maxwell School, nearby, according to this site.
Since it wasn't easy to get to the ocean, the Pool became a public place for swimming.
After falling into disrepair, it was filled in with dirt and then eventually restored according to this article with public toilets installed at the entrance gate.
As we sat on a bench eating our lunch, I could imagine the activity this place saw at the height of its popularity with moms in their modest suits watching young ones in the shallow end and older children jumping off the diving board at the other end.
It seems that the water quality [*fighting urge to be sarcastic about 'New Zealand, 100% pure' campaign*] is the main reason it isn't maintained.
It's easy to see why it was a popular place and, even though I never saw it in its heyday,
I feel quite sad that it sits unused.
If you like photo link-ups, click on the 'photo memes' tab at the top for a
list for every day of the week!
...thanks for a look at my future.
ReplyDeleteOlá, arte de captar mora no seu dom de fotografar, as fotos tem a maestria de quem sabe, são belas.
ReplyDeleteFeliz ano 2018 repleto de oportunidades, saúde, esperança e prosperidade.
AG
lovely place for a picnic and what an interesting history :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I do like these...looks like such a nice place.
ReplyDeleteSo sad that the place is no longer enjoyed as a swimming pool. But the surrounding area looks like a nice place for a picnic. Can enjoy the peace and greenery.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and beautiful place. Happy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's still a very pretty place and perfect for a Picnic! I love that this is your tradition (it could be ours here in Florida actually, but certainly not typical for Christmas over on this side of the world!).
ReplyDeleteChristmas Day picnic sounds cool. Lovely place.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Nice place for a picnic.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely area!
ReplyDelete