Hidden Hamilton ecological gem revealed

28 June 2012

New signage to be installed at Hamilton’s Hammond Park tells the story of the hidden bush gem.

Sally Sheedy, Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager, says Hammond Park is one of the city’s special environments, and installation of the signage has been a collaborative effort with Riverlea Environment Society, Nga Mana Toopu o Kirikiriroa and local artist and Enviroschools facilitator Adrienne Grant.

“Council was delighted to be able to work alongside local groups who care greatly about this ecological treasure. Our new signage details the area’s ecology and history. Hammond Park is relatively hidden, on the eastern banks of the Waikato River, but home to a number of important native species, such as the long-tailed bat,” Miss Sheedy says.

Riverlea Environment Society Chair Andrea Graves says: “Even regular visitors are often unaware of how unique its plants and creatures are. In creating this sign we especially enjoyed learning from Wiremu Puke, of Ngati Wairere, how the area was lived in and defended by early Maori.”

Hammond Park’s total area is 8.5 hectares, with bush covering approximately 1 hectare. The new sign will be placed at the northern entrance to the bush part of the park, near the Malcolm Street entrance, tomorrow (Friday, 29 June), at 10am.

ENDS

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