History of bridges
Commemorative rustic footbridges named after famous battles featured in G. Gibbs’ original 1947 Park for a District Memorial that also proposed a tree with a dedication plaque for each fallen soldier.
In July 1951 Harold Babbage’s distinctive and symbolic adaptions introduced many embellishments such as the Sunken Cross that was initially to feature names of battles in which New Zealanders took part, but then amended to feature the names of all who served, but then finally, only the names of those who did not return. Gibbs’ Commemorative footbridges persisted.
In October 1953 the Memorial Committee referred the matter of naming the footbridges after WWII engagements to the RSA. In December 1953 Mr Gower, whom the committee had given an assurance “that the park was a recognition of the men who fell in WWII”, returned with names submitted from each branch of the services; For the navy footbridge at Mutu St — ‘Achilles’; for the central air force footbridge — ‘Contact’; and, for the army footbridge — ‘Kiwi’.
Their dedication names were not revealed on opening day December 4, 1955 as the navy footbridge was yet to be afforded till late 1967 via a bequeath from Marion Dawson. However, the footbridges were as of then specifically dedicated for the ‘Service and Sacrifice’ of the three armed forces of WWII. The replacement army and air force footbridges should soon be reestablished solely for that observance. They will return access to an important part of the memorial north side of the Mangaohoi Stream, donated prior to any land purchases, in 1951 by Austin Yarndley for a picnic playground. Along with donations from the Waipa¯ Districts, this significant donation also brought a pound for pound government subsidy that enabled the construction of many features throughout the memorial in general.
The donated ‘on leash’ area should again see the return of fittings such as the three seat swing set and picnic tables and feature new embellishments such as a Mara Hupara playground and a Shared Culture Pathway.
Marc Dawson