Community celebration at Wainoni Park
June 9, 2006

North Shore City Council has made it easier for people to enjoy Wainoni Park in Greenhithe, and that is exactly what they will be doing on Sunday, June 25.

The grand opening of the stage one upgrade the 40ha park is being combined with the launch of Greenhithe School's walking school bus and a community planting day.

The day celebrates a real combined effort that was the result of extensive community consultation, says North Shore City community services and parks committee chairwoman, Margaret Miles.

"It's given people who live nearby, clubs and sports groups more opportunity to use the park because access is now so much better," she says.

Over the past 18 months a combined walkway and cycleway, which includes a boardwalk and bridge, has been built linking Churchouse Rd to Te Wharau Dr. A new entrance has also been created, sportsfields upgraded, trees planted, a new car park laid and art gates put in, and a cross-country course built for the Greenhithe Pony Club.

Stage two of Wainoni Park's development is a path linking the existing walkway to Greenhithe Rd, and some additional planting, which are planned in the coming year.

The new boardwalk and bridge gives students the chance to walk or cycle safely to Greenhithe School, with the added bonus of cutting down the number of car trips and congestion at the school gate.

"The council's Travelwise programme sees us work with schools to put in place practical measures to using more sustainable transport," says Councillor Miles.
More than 1000 children are involved in walking school buses throughout North Shore City.

Students will be there from 10am on Sunday, June 25 for the official opening by Councillor Miles, to try out the new walkway and cycleway, enjoy the entertainment and sausage sizzle, then take part in the community planting day from 10.30am.

Everyone is welcome to help with the planting, but please bring a spade and sturdy shoes.

ENDS

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