Disappointment is already giving way to opportunity for Ashburton resident Myshell Box.

Box was a passionate supporter and spokesperson for the retention and refurbishment of the leaking and run-down Tinwald Community Pool.

The Ashburton District Council’s decision in the long-term plan is to permanently close the Tinwald pool, and not spend the $3.1m earmarked for one of four pool options at this time.

The councillors had reservations about spending $3.1m, as well as ongoing operational costs, on an outdoor pool that was only open for a portion of the year, and in tough economic times it was deemed to be a nice-to-have project.

The decision also included the Tinwald Reserve Board investigating alternative options for the site - something Box said was disappointed with but called “something of a semi-win”.

“It’s an opportunity to move forward.

“We are not getting what we honestly wanted.

“It’s not plan A but at least we can come up with a plan B.”

In her submission, she stated that if the council went with an option other than Tinwald, she hoped they could still find a use for the site.

That’s what Box and the Tinwald community have been presented with.

What the options are will be investigated by the Tinwald Reserve Board, and Box is planning to get a seat at the table to be a part of the conversation, having already been approached to join the board.

“I’m open to getting amongst it and looking at what we can make work.”

The reasons presented for retaining the Tinwald pool included it offering “a different experience” and a more family-oriented environment than at the EA Networks Centre, Box said.

“I still think we still need water down there and to hold onto that family vibe.”

During the deliberations, the councillors discussed the possibility of the Tinwald Pool becoming a paddling pool or water play area.

The consultation presented five options and didn’t result in a clear consensus from the 1500 submissions - 31% supporting the Tinwald Pool and 29% a new pool at EA Networks Centre.

During the discussion in the three-day deliberations workshop councillors were equally divided.

Having five options potentially diluted the community opinion, Box said.

She also understood the economic reasons behind the council's decision as “people are doing it hard”

“Everybody is struggling so I see that side of it too”.

The council made most of the big decisions for the long-term plan on Thursday, with some yet to be finalised until Wednesday next week.

By Jonathan Leask