Missing links to return to park
Work due to start on new bridges in memorial grounds
This week, Waipa¯ District Council will begin preparations for two new pedestrian bridges, which will be installed in May to replace two bridges in Te Awamutu War Memorial Park, one of which has been closed since October 2017 due to safety concerns.
The work is part of the park’s concept plan, which was adopted on June 1 by the council’s strategic planning and policy committee.
The plan highlighted a desire to reinstate the three bridges crossing the Mangaohoi Stream that commemorate the New Zealand Army (Papatu¯a¯nuku), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (Ranginui) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (Tangaroa) with improved pedestrian linkages.
The bridges have been designed in collaboration with the Te Awamutu Returned and Services Association (RSA) and mana whenua.
The park in Mutu St will have vegetation trimming this week, with bridge piling starting the following week, after the Anzac Day commemorative services.
Work will be limited to the northern
side of the Mangaohoi Stream to reduce interruptions during school holidays and fenced off from the Christie Ave entrance to the netball courts until the programme finishes in early July.
Waipa¯ District Mayor Jim Mylchreest said the bridges will provide better pedestrian connections and reinstate access across the park.
“One of our community’s main wishes through the War Memorial Park concept plan consultation was
to have safe and improved access for people of all abilities, and the new 2.5m-wide bridges will provide just that.
“We recognise the works may be disruptive while they are under way, but the outcome of having access finally reinstated to all areas of the park will certainly outweigh this in the end.”
Access to the dog exercise area on the northern side of the park will remain closed throughout the works, and contractor Bridge It NZ will seek to minimise other disruptions by having work take place on weekdays during daylight hours only. Nearby dog exercise areas are in Anchor Park and Wallace Tce.
Regular progress updates of the bridge installation will be available on the Waipa¯ District Council website at www.waipadc.govt.nz/majorprojects and sent to those who requested to be kept updated through the concept plan development.