Omarama is now using solar power to heat its school and community swimming pool.
On Wednesday, the school held a sports day to celebrate.
The children took to the pool in the afternoon to officially celebrate the new heating.
The solar heating system was installed in October by The Solar Store in Timaru, thanks to funding from the Meridian Waitaki community fund.
Omarama School board of trustees member Kevin Grant said the upgrade to the pool benefited the whole community.
He said the efficiency of solar heating would also be beneficial.
Meridian strategic relations adviser and chairman of the community fund Mark France said the community had indicated it wanted the fund to support projects that fostered the development of opportunities for sporting, social and recreational activities.
