Work on constructing the much-anticipated trail along the northern edge of the Ōhiwa Harbour is set to start early next week.
The 2.9 km trail is a Rotary Club of Whakatāne project and will be located in Whakatane District Council reserves between the Waterways subdivision and the Port Ōhope Wharf. Project Manager Don Lewell says the Club has received sufficient grant funding to allow a contract for the construction aspects of the trail to be let.
“DNS Civil Group has been engaged to carry out the necessary work and will be setting up on the site from this weekend. We’re very grateful to the community funding agencies which have contributed to this important project, which will create another recreation option for the local community and add to the area’s visitor attractions,” he says.
Funding contributions have been provided by the Lion Foundation ($100,000), the Grass Roots Trust ($50,000), the Southern Trust ($30,000) and the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board ($15,000). The Club is also contributing $25,000 of its own funds to the project.
Mr Lewell says the construction of the trail will be undertaken in a manner which ensures that the ecologically-sensitive northern fringes of the harbour are protected and impacts on neighbours are minimised. “This will see several short boardwalk sections installed to provide access over wet areas, and sections of compacted cinder trail constructed where necessary, while in some of the grassed harbourside reserves, there will be no formal path, with the route marked by a series of posts. Throughout the route, gradients will cater for wheelchair and stroller access.
“Ōhiwa Harbour is without doubt one of the District’s scenic jewels, and the Rotary Club of Whakatāne is delighted to have played a key role in making this wonderful asset more accessible to the community and are committed through a long term relationship to a program of weed control and habitat improvement.”
Throughout the construction programme, work sites will be clearly marked with signs to alert people to the presence of construction workers and machinery. Nearby residents will also be informed of the work being undertaken and the likely timeframe for the completion of the activity in their areas.
Subject to current fundraising activities, signage will also be developed for the six main entry points to the walkway, with further interpretation signage to be installed at important points along the trail.