A 14-year-old girl had a dream!
That was to see a pontoon in Caroline Bay as a free and fun swimming alternative to the bay’s blocked off jetty, which had become too dangerous to walk on.
After Roshean O’Connor approached the Timaru District Council that did not progress the idea, her request inspired a host of South Canterbury business groups.
They were buoyant about the launch of a community project which was several months in the making. These groups included Alpine Energy, PrimePort Timaru, Fabtech and Timaru Suburban Lions.
Her dream turned into reality when the pontoon, 5×4 metre, designed and built to ensure it was suitable and safe for the conditions in the bay, was launched into Caroline Bay on April this year.
“There used to be a pontoon at Caroline Bay about 20 or 30 years ago, so this is bringing something back to life” Roshean said.
It is thought the pontoon will appeal to locals and holidaymakers alike but is everyone in favour of this new acquisition?
The jetty was a great place for young people to hang-out with their friends, to sit and chat without getting wet, and being out of the way of the vehicles driving up the Marine Parade.
The only way to get to the new pontoon is to swim out, but what if your friends are all out there and you are not comfortable swimming that distance or you can’t swim?
What’s your alternative now that the jetty is off-limits?
Why not fix the jetty as well?
Something to ponder…
Please share your thoughts