All the recorded growth in pool visits has come from a dramatic upsurge through Learn to Swim programmes where almost four times as many youngsters went through programmes provided by the highly qualified swim school staff.
"This is another great indicator as to why we need to develop the scheduled Learn to Swim Pool. The potential, once this new pool is developed, will be exciting," Mr Stone said.
Plans for the new development are now at the final design stage.
Visits to the Fitness Centre programmes had remained steady and Mr Stone was hopeful new equipment and a new membership model would assist in helping to track numbers upwards over the next year.
"We have been on a continuous improvement pathway this year of upgrading and refreshing our Fitness Centre equipment with new treadmills, cross trainers, bikes and rowing machines installed.
"We have also invested in a new membership management system which is far more user-friendly than the previous system," Mr Stone said.
He said Sport Hawke's Bay were grateful for the proactive partnership with the building owners, Wairoa District Council.
"This has developed into a most positive relationship and both council and Sport Hawke's Bay are working very hard to ensure that the facility meets a high level of customer service and safety."
Wairoa District Council are currently carrying out strengthening work on the pool hall to ensure the facility meets new earthquake proofing standards.
Sport Hawke's Bay Wairoa manager Sara Rangi said this was certainly a record to be celebrated and definitely shows the hard work, dedication and passion of the team she works alongside.
"We always strive to provide quality service and programmes, always looking for new initiatives so we can reach as many people in our district and beyond to utilise the amazing facility we have right here in Wairoa."
