Imagine this - wheeling out a portable gas barbeque to the outdoor area and if it is low on gas, you then make multiple trips to the nearest petrol station, swapping or refilling the empty gas bottles—several times a week.
It’s a never-ending cycle, a time-consuming task that became all too familiar for the staff at the Papatoetoe Centennial Pool and Leisure Centre, until two new all electric barbeques were installed at the site.
Papatoetoe Centennial Pool and Leisure Centre is a hub of activity, pool entry for everyone is FREE, bringing together locals and visitors to enjoy recreation and community events.
The two brand-new electric barbeques at the centre have instantly become a crowd favourite, making a visit even more inviting.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “Electric barbeques will make work easier for our pool staff but also transitioning away from fossil fuels, helping the environment one little bit at a time.”
Electric barbeques are already in several pools and parks/reserves across the wider Auckland region.
It took six weeks to transform the space including laying concrete slabs, running the wiring from the plant room to the barbeques, installing the units, and then commissioning and thoroughly testing everything to ensure it was ready for use.
All of this was completed just in time, before the outdoor pools opened for the highly anticipated summer season on Saturday 14th December 2024, ensuring the barbeques were ready to welcome families and friends for a perfect summer gathering.
In just two months since being installed, the barbeques have already been booked and used 120 times!
They have replaced the need for gas versions, saving staff valuable time that was once spent refilling or swapping gas bottles.
Apulu adds, “Our communities love our local pools, especially as a summer outing. Providing barbeque facilities provides our locals with another option to make their visits more suitable for large group or family gatherings.”
The barbeques can be hired and are perfect for any event—from swimming carnivals and school sports days to pool parties, prize givings, baptisms, and more.
Not only are the electric barbeques safer to use, but they also align with Auckland Council’s goal of reducing carbon emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
This upgrade not only benefits the staff and the environment but also enhances the overall experience for visitors, providing an exciting new service that adds even more value to the Papatoetoe Centennial Pool and Leisure Centre.
It’s a win for the community, the planet, and everyone who enjoys the outdoor space!
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