Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre
Frequently Asked Question’s
1. What is the Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
It is the first of three new aquatic facilities to be built in Christchurch during the next 13 years as part
of the 2006 Aquatic Facilities Plan. It will boast a new eight-lane, ramped 25-metre indoor swimming
pool, a ramped spa pool, ramped learners’ pool, a separate toddlers’ pool with wet deck, an indoor
sports hall and a new fitness centre.
2. When does Graham Condon Recreation & Sport centre open?
The construction of the new Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre will start mid 2009. The
Centre is expected to open mid to late 2010. As the construction progresses, we will be informing you
on the exact opening date.
3. Who are the partners in the construction and the operation of the Graham Condon
Recreation & Sport Centre?
The Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre is the first partnership aquatic facility development by
the City Council under the 2006 Aquatic Facilities Plan. It is being built on land owned by Papanui High
School, with financial support from the school and adjacent Northlands Shopping centre. The Council’s
contribution to the development is approximately $13 million. It is a significant financial contribution.
Information on the exact amounts from its partners can not be released as this is commercially
sensitive information.
It will be owned by the City Council and used by both the school and community.
4. Who was Graham Condon?
The complex will be named in memory of Graham Condon, a Christchurch City Councillor, who was
tragically killed in a cycling accident in September 2007. He was an elected Shirley-Papanui Councillor
and Community Board member from 1995-1998 and was then elected as a Christchurch City
Councillor (and appointed by the Council to the Shirley-Papanui Community Board) from 1998 until his
death in 2007.
Cr Condon had polio as a child which left him confined to a wheelchair but he had a determination to
succeed and excelled as an athlete, making his mark in the discus and pentathlon, representing New
Zealand internationally for more than two decades. He set seven world, Paralympics and
Commonwealth records and seven national records, winning 36 international medals in total.
5. What hours will Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre be open?
The hours of operation for the Graham Condon Recreation & Sport are yet to be confirmed. As we aim
for consistency across our Recreation & Sport Centres, we envisage the Centre will be open weekdays
6:00 am – 9:00 pm and weekends and public holidays 7:00 am – 8:00 pm (the Fitness Centre will
close at 6:00 pm during weekends and public holidays). We will confirm these opening hours closer to
the date of opening.
6. Where is the Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre is located on Sisson Drive, Papanui, Christchurch (next to
Papanui High School, opposite Northlands Mall).
7. How do I get to the Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre using Public
Transport?
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre can be easily reached by taking any bus on the route to
Northlands Mall (e.g. Number 0, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 90, 92 Bus). It is also on the Orbiter Bus route.
8.
Is there car and bike parking available?
Car parking is available onsite, and there is plenty of parking available at Northlands Mall and also in
the Papanui High School Grounds. An additional new car park located off Sawyers Arms road is
connected to the building via a 4 minute walkway to the Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre.
Sixty Bike stands are also available.
Facilities Available
9. What facilities are available at Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre has:
Aquatic
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facilities:
A new ramped 25 metre, 8 lane pool
A new ramped Teaching/Learners pool
A new wet deck area and toddlers pool with water toys
A new ramped spa pool
Fitness facilities:
 A new Fitness Centre
 Fully equipped with the latest fitness equipment
 Integrated TV screens
 Full range of strength equipment
 Free weights
 Designated assessment room
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A new indoor sports hall
 Basketball/Netball size court/ 3 volleyball court size with innovative Decoflex rubber
flooring
 ‘State of the Art’ sound system
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Papanui High School Existing Sports Hall
 1 basketball court sized area capable of holding 3 badminton courts
10. What classes and recreation programmes will be available?
We will be offering Aqua classes and Learn to Swim Programmes.
To find out what the community needs are in regards to other classes and programmes, the Council
will be undertaking a needs analysis amongst residents in the western area of Christchurch in 2009.
The classes and programmes that will be available will depend on the outcome of this analysis as well
as any operational constraints.
11. Will swimming lessons be available?
Yes, there will be Swimsmart learn to swim classes running during the school terms for babies from 6
months right through to adults. Registrations for Swimsmart classes will open approximately 2 months
before the Centre opens (see FAQ 2). See the final FAQ on how to be kept up to date to ensure you
do not miss out on securing your registration for swimming lessons.
There will also be Learn to Swim lessons for school groups. Schools can register their interest in
schools swimming lessons with the Swimsmart Coordinator at Jellie Park (941 6921 or
gill.herrick@ccc.govt.nz)
12. Does Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre have a café?
No, there is no café on site but food and drink are available via vending machines onsite. Across the
road is Northlands mall providing a huge range of food and drink options.
13. Are child care and medical facilities available?
The centre will not provide child care facilities or any medical facilities (with the exception of a first aid
room).
14. What sort facilities are in place for people with disabilities to Graham Condon
Recreation & Sport Centre?
All parts of the facility are easily accessible for disabled visitors.
There are well equipped changing facilities including a tracking system, hydraulic bed and all pools are
ramped to assist with pool entry. The equipment in the fitness centre is accessible to a large variety in
abilities and many machines can be used from within a wheelchair. Many aqua classes are entry level
classes. The facility also has the latest Soundpost equipment for those that are visually impaired to
enable easier access to the building.
Memberships / Charges / Concessions
15. What are the admission costs for Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
A: Entry fees and Membership prices are standard across all CCC recreation & Sport centres.
Please see our the fees and charges on our website for a comprehensive list of charges, including
membership and concession card information.
16. Does Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre offer Concession Cards as well as
Memberships?
Yes, you will be able to buy concession cards for the pools, fitness and aerobics/aqua classes. These
concession cards can be used at the facility they are purchased from (see also next FAQ).
17. Will I be able to use the concession card that I purchased at QEII, Jellie Park, Pioneer
or Centennial at Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Yes, Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre will honour concession cards bought at Jellie Park,
QEII, Pioneer or Centennial (for pools, fitness centre, aqua classes, and aerobic classes) till 31 Dec
2010. Once transferred to Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre you cannot use the concession
card anymore at the facility you purchased it at. Please note that pool and aqua class concession
cards can be used at all CCC pools.
18. I have a pool membership (or fitness centre membership) that I bought at
Jellie/QEII/Pioneer/Centennial. Can I transfer this to Graham Condon Recreation &
Sport Centre?
Yes, you can transfer your membership to use it at Graham Condon. A transfer fee of $10 will apply.
Please present yourself at the reception of Graham Condon to transfer your membership. Once
transferred to Graham Condon you cannot use the pool or fitness membership anymore at the facility
you purchased it at. If you would like to use the facilities at more than one centre we recommend you
purchase a Multi Membership (see next FAQ).
19. Can the Multi Membership I bought at Jellie/Pioneer/QEII/Centennial also be used at
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Yes. The multi membership can be used inter-changeably throughout the 5 Christchurch City Council’s
Recreation & Sport Centres; Pioneer, Centennial, QEII, Jellie Park and Graham Condon. A multimembership includes the use of the pools, the fitness centres, access to aerobic and aqua-fit classes
and the QEII athletic track.
20. Will Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre have a discounted price for corporate
memberships?
Yes, if a group of people from a company sign up at the same time, a corporate discount can be
arranged. Please contact the Programme & Activity Leader at QEII (craig.motley@ccc.govt.nz) for
details.
21. I am a Christchurch City Council employee. Can I get discounted membership at
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Yes, you can get a 20% discount on your 6 or 12 month Multi membership. You can purchase and use
this membership at any of the centres: Jellie Park, QEII, Pioneer or Centennial and Graham Condon.
22. What is the minimum age to use Council fitness facilities?
The minimum age for individuals to use Council fitness centre facilities is 16 years old.
Swimming and Pool Info
23. Can I buy swim wear and/or hire togs or towels at Graham Condon Recreation &
Sport Centre?
Yes, Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre will have a limited range of swim wear and goggles
for sale
Swimming togs and towels will also be available for hire in a full range of sizes for men, women and
children. For hire charges please see our fees & charges.
24. What clothing is acceptable to wear in a Council Pool?
Swimmers must wear appropriate swimwear that is clean and does not impair the ability to swim.
The following is not appropriate swimwear:
 Clothing designed as underwear
 Clothing designed for general wear/street clothes
 Disposable or cotton nappies
25. What age can I take my child swimming in a Council pool?
There are no restrictions on what age a baby can come swimming. However we do recommend that
parents ensure their babies have had all of their vaccinations before bringing them swimming in a
public pool environment.
It is recommended that babies under 5 months of age should not enter an enclosed public pool area
due to chlorine, humidity, and the exposure to various viruses and bacteria’s.
The Council provides swimming lessons for babies aged 6 months and over, this is generally when
most children have had their vaccinations and their immunity levels are more able to cope with this
type of environment.
Parents should be aware that babies should not be taken into the spa pools for prolonged periods due
to the possibility of dehydration and heat stroke occurring. Once again over 6 months of age is the
general rule.
Please note: Babies should wear appropriate swim nappies. (Not cloth or disposable nappies). Little
swimmer nappies specially designed for swimming can be purchased from pool reception.
26. What should babies wear in the pool?
Babies need to wear swim nappies such as Little Swimmers or Eenies. Cloth and disposable nappies
are prohibited.
Little swimmers are disposable and can be purchased from pool reception or you can get them from
the supermarket.
27. Are lockers available for the use of swimmers?
Yes, lockers will be available at a small charge for locker hire.
28. Are inflatable’s allowed to be used in any of the council pools?
Yes you are able to use inflatable’s in the pools, however there are restrictions on size and where the
inflatable has been used.
Rules: Anything larger than a metre square would be unsuitable, e.g. No Lilos permitted.
The inflatable must be clean and not have been used on any rivers or lakes.
Water rings and small animal floaties are okay.
29. Why should I not swim if I have diarrhoea?
It is not safe to swim if you have diarrhoea because the germ that causes diarrhoea is resistant to
chlorine for several hours.
30. How long until I can swim again after having diarrhoea or being sick?
There is a waiting period of 10 days before going back to the pool if you have suffered from
diarrhoea.
31. Do I need to supervise my child when swimming at Graham Condon Recreation &
Sport Centre?
Under 5 Year Olds
All children under 5 years of age MUST be accompanied in the water and within arms reach at all
times, by a caregiver 16 years or over.
A maximum of 2 preschoolers to each adult. This does not apply to designated toddlers or paddling
pools i.e. adults are not expected to be in the water with them. They would of course be watching but
do not physically need to be in the water.
5-8 Year Olds
Children between 5 and 8 years of age MUST be actively supervised by a caregiver 16 years or over.
Actively Supervised means: Watching the child or children in your care at all times and being able to
provide immediate assistance.
The final decision on safety rests with the Life guard.
32. When is the best time to do lane swimming or spend leisure time in the pools at the
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre?
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre is committed to providing pool space to the public at all
times during its opening hours. You will able to do lane swimming at any time during opening hours,
which are detailed on the Charges leaflet available from reception.
The Graham Condon pools are primarily designed for swimming, learn to swim activities and sports
training. There is no designated leisure pool. Small children will be able to play on the wet deck area
and there is a toddler’s pool with water toys. There is also a spa.
The exact pool allocation will be determined closer to the time of opening the centre (see final FAQ on
how to be kept up to date).
33. What facilities are provided in the change rooms?
Showers and a limited supply of power points are available in the change rooms. Please see FAQ 34
on change room facilities for people with disabilities.
34. How can I to be kept up to date on the construction and opening of Graham Condon
Centre?
Please check the Graham Condon webpage on the CCC internet site regularly for updates
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/cityleisure/recreationsport/facilities/graham/index.aspx
Also regular newsletters will be sent out to stakeholders and local residents. Please email
GCCentre@ccc.govt.nz if you would like to receive these newsletters.