Tulips will soon be bobbing along Foxton’s river loop
The park along the river loop at Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park in Foxton will soon have thousands of tulips bopping their heads in the breeze.
In July, 2400 bulbs were planted there by Horowhenua District Council staff and representatives of Parkinson’s in Ka¯iti Horowhenua.
The tulip has been adopted as the international symbol for Parkinson’s.
The tulips were planted in beds, with one bed planted in a tulip shaped plot and the second in a flag-shaped plot using bulbs that will flower in the colours of the Netherlands — a nod to the country’s connection with tulips.
Parkinson’s Ka¯ pitiHorowhenua Action Group chairman Kevin Ramshaw, said one of the group members saw a display of tulips in the gardens in October last year.
“Sue Belworthy lives with Parkinson’s,” he said. “Walking in the gardens she was greatly taken with the brave show the tulips made and she asked the council staff if the link with Parkinson’s could be recognised in some way.”
“Sean Hester came back to us with the Foxton proposal — and six months later, there we were on our hands and knees pushing bulbs into prepared plots in the River Loop
Reserve.”
“We are grateful to the council for taking up the project. From our point of view, it is a great way of raising awareness of Parkinson’s — which is the world’s fastest growing neurological disease.”
The project will contribute to Horowhenua District Council retaining its prestigious “green flag” accreditation for the cultural park, one of five awarded to the council this year.
Green Flag Awards originated in Britain but are now awarded internationally for well-managed parks and green spaces that meet community needs. “The tulip beds in the cultural park are an excellent example of how collaboration with a community group has added an extra dimension to one of our green spaces,” said Horowhenua District Council’s parks and property lead (north) Sean Hester.
“We’re very pleased with the way the cultural park has been developing and proud to see the green flag flying over it.
The tulip beds in the cultural park are an excellent example of how collaboration with a community group has added an extra dimension. Sean Hester
“There are a number of criteria we need to meet to retain the accreditation, including how we develop this park space with the community.”