New Ōmokoroa shared path celebrated
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber, past golf board chair Fintan Downes, foreshore committee member David Hughes, and TECT Trustee Peter Blackwell. Photo supplied by TECT.
Ōmokoroa residents have a new shared walkway / cycleway to try out.
The path was opened by Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber at a small event over the weekend.
The shared project is a joint initiative between Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the Ōmokoroa Golf Course with support from TECT and the Ōmokoroa Community Board.
The new walkway / cycleway sits atop an elevated stormwater bund, serving the dual purposes of protecting the Ōmokoroa foreshore and golf course from erosion, and formalising a path for the public to walk or cycle.
The path is 1.2km long and begins at the Precious Family Reserve following the foreshore of the peninsula and bordering the Ōmokoroa golf course.
The final piece of the puzzle is a wetland boardwalk that connects the stormwater bund to the Kayelene Place trail. The boardwalk is scheduled to be complete in December.
Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says, “This is a great example of what can be achieved when we all work together for a shared outcome that benefits many people.”
Western Bay of Plenty District Council Deputy CEO and Group Manager Infrastructure Gary Allis agrees saying, “It’s fantastic to be able to provide the public with safe access to the foreshore, without them having to skirt around the tides and walk on the golf course. They’ll also have a great view out over the ocean.
“We’d like to thank the Ōmokoroa Golf Club and TECT for their contribution and involvement in this project.”
TECT Trustee Peter Blackwell says the local trust was proud to have contributed $200,000 towards the shared path.
“The completion of this project meets two key objectives; formalising a recreational route that is already popular with locals, and providing environmental protection for the golf course. It will also help to protect sensitive ecological areas by keeping people to a formalised route.
“It is a privilege for TECT to be a part of this fantastic addition to the Ōmokoroa community and the many golfers at the Club through our grant. We know it will be well-used for many years to come.”
Council reminds the public that the golf course is private land and to please keep to the walkway/cycleway while the boardwalk is under construction.
Gary says, “It would also be appreciated if dog owners would ensure their dogs are kept on a leash at all times while on the public pathway, as required by the Dog Control Bylaw. There are a number of endangered bird species such as the Banded Rail that live along the shoreline and small inlet.”
The boardwalk project is part of a series of Council projects currently taking place across the Ōmokoroa peninsula to cater for subdivision and population growth between now and 2022.
