Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre
Project Type: Sensory Pool
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre hosts New Zealand’s first fully inclusive aquatic sensory space installed in August 2025. The sensory pool incorporates thoughtful elements that provide a serene environment for visitors. Key features include a zero-depth entry pool, bubble columns, misting sprays, interactive jets, a tactile Canterbury-themed wall, and an area with pumps and cisterns that show how things work.
The space utilises edge-to-edge Life Floor coverage for better safety, accessibility, and design aesthetic. As an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, our products are approved for use in Autism-friendly spaces. Slip-resistance empowers different forms of mobility, cushioning provides comfort for sensitive touch, and colours are used to help visually signal the environment is changing from land to water. All of these components contribute to higher confidence for visitors in and around the water.
“The Aqua Sensory Experience has been a hit, with around 3,000 sessions booked out so far.”
In an article published on 8 April, 2026 by Christchurch City Council, news of the centre’s popularity is celebrated:
“After three months operating in the heart of Christchurch, Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has racked up over 360,000 visits. From spin classes to hydroslide sessions, the largest indoor sport and recreation venue in the country has attracted huge crowds since opening on 17 December. Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox says, ‘our target is 1.4 million visits for our first year of operation. We’re currently sitting about 3.3% above that goal.’
232,024 people have visited the pools, 17,394 have booked a group fitness class, and over 30,000 hydroslide sessions have sold. ‘Parakiore has become part of people’s routines, especially those that live and work in the CBD. There are so many ways to get active under one roof, people are coming back time and again,’ says Mr. Cox.”
14 Inlays from our Inlay Library make the floor part of the attraction with visually engaging graphics.
Project Highlights
Facility: Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre
Location: Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand
Install Date: August 2025
Area: 67 m²
Colours: Aviator with Pomegranate and Sunshine as transition indicators
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Thickness: 10 mm
Architect: Warren + Mahoney
Dealer Partner: FPC Christchurch
Installer: Complete Flooring (Christchurch)
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