Freyberg Pool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freyberg Pool |
|
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg)
Freyberg Pool from the boat harbour
|
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Town or city | Wellington |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°17′28″S 174°47′24″E / 41.291011°S 174.790056°E |
| Completed | 1963 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Jason Smith |
| Awards and prizes | NZIA National Award Winner 2011 |
The Freyberg Pool is a public indoor swimming pool. You can find it right on Wellington Harbour in New Zealand. The main pool is 33 meters long, which is about the length of two school buses!
The pool is named after Bernard Freyberg. He was a very brave soldier in World War I. He even won the Victoria Cross, which is a top award for bravery. Later, he became the Governor-General of New Zealand. This role is like a representative of the King or Queen in New Zealand.
Bernard Freyberg was also a fantastic swimmer. He won the New Zealand 100-yards swimming championship in both 1906 and 1910. He used to train at the old Te Aro Baths, which were on the same spot where the Freyberg Pool now stands.
Freyberg passed away in 1963. This was the same year the new pool opened. So, it was decided to name the pool after him to honor his memory and his connection to the site.
A Special Building
The Freyberg Pool building is very important. New Zealand Historic Places Trust has given it a special title. It is a "Category I" historic place.
What does Category I mean?
Being a "Category I" historic place means the building is very special. It has outstanding historical or cultural importance. It's like saying it's a super important part of New Zealand's history.
Award-Winning Design
In 2011, the Freyberg Pool won a big award. It received an NZIA Enduring Architecture Award. It won this award along with another famous building, the Michael Fowler Centre. This award celebrates buildings that have great design and have lasted well over time.
