Work starts on new estuary pathway link

Work has started on a pathway along the esplanade reserve at the end of Park Road to add another link in the walking and cycling network around Katikati.

The 2.5 metre, 505-metre long concrete pathway extending from the western end of Park Road Reserve to Preston Drive is a shared walking and cycling pathway being built by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The walkway joins existing ends of the esplanade pathway and will eventually continue around the harbour edge to link with Beach Road Reserve. The link is part of Council's long term plan to create a walking and cycling network around Katikati.

The project is being built by Te Puna company Williamson Earthworks and is expected to take about a month to complete - weather dependent.

Reserves and Facilities Manager Peter Watson says the ecology of the harbour edge is also very precious for its birdlife so there will be a strip of native plantings between the walkway and water's edge to help prevent dogs entering the estuarine environment.

Dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on a lead and under control when using the walkway/cycleway to ensure their dog does not wander onto private property or upset local wildlife.

"This piece of shared walkway and cycleway is a significant link in the overall vision of Council and the Katikati Trails Development Group to provide a circuit right around Katikati, linking with the Yeoman Pathway and Haiku Pathway.

Long term, the intention is to develop a walkway and cycleway around the harbour margins,'' says Peter.

The area is historically and culturally sensitive so Council is working with Heritage New Zealand and Ngāi Tamawhariua hapu who are on site to monitor the earthworks to ensure any archaeological or cultural findings are appropriately managed, recorded and protected.

Katch Katikati coordinator Jacqui Knight says it will be great to have an acceptable and safe pathway around the harbour from Park Road Reserve.

"This is an important link in our long term plan to get a walkway and cycleway link around the whole harbour edge.''