Kings Park Swimming Pool in Durban plays a pivotal role in maintaining excellent performances that make the nation proud.
These were the words echoed by Mafata Modutoane, spokesperson for Swimming South Africa (SSA), in acknowledgement of the eThekwini Municipality’s R42 million upgrade of the pool infrastructure.
Modutoane said that SSA is the No. 1 federation in terms of regional, continental, and international podium performances. He said the understanding from all spheres of government in understanding the facility's role was welcomed.
The upgrade aims to enhance the facility’s design and functionality, ensuring it remains a world-class swimming destination.
The renovations are part of the municipality’s ongoing maintenance programme for public swimming venues. The Kings Park Swimming Complex includes both indoor and outdoor pools, featuring a 50-metre indoor swimming pool and a 25-metre, 6.5-metre-deep outdoor diving pool.
It is notably the only swimming facility in South Africa with the International Swimming Federation (FINA) accreditation, allowing it to host international water sports competitions. The current rehabilitation efforts focus on repairing infrastructure damaged by strong winds last year.
Key improvements include the installation of 1 500 LUX lighting, glass window replacements, non-slip coatings for stairs and paving, upgrades to walkway structures and handrails, a complete overhaul of two canteen areas, plastering and painting, new signage, a scoreboard, and diving boards.
Modutoane said that SSA has been in discussions with eThekwini, provincial and national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) before the hosting of the BRICS games in SA on investing in Kings Park as a premier facility for aquatics sport in the country.
“Minimal repairs were done to accommodate the BRICS games, and a full presentation was done after the games, ensuring the venue is upgraded and a full maintenance plan is put in place. Our deliberations were met with enthusiasm and commitment from the government; hence, the facility is currently under construction,” he said.
However, the renovations had to move swimming events to other venues.
Modutoane said there were a number of competitions scheduled for Kings Park, including National Masters. The facility is also used at times by Life Saving and underwater hockey.
“Our competition planning cycle coincided with a full Olympic Quadrennial. We were fortunate that we could plan around the Kings Park facility upgrades moving national competitions like Level 2,3 to Richards Bay, Masters Nationals to Rachel Finlayson, National Schools to Newton Park and Junior Nationals to the University of the Western Cape with all other galas hosted in the province and the KZN Champs in Pietermaritzburg,” Modutoane said.
He said SSA expressed their gratitude to municipalities and UWC for ensuring the readiness of these facilities.
The swimming complex has been closed since November to facilitate renovations, with completion expected by the end of April, weather permitting.