Linklater Reserve

Aswing bridge across a gully at Palmerston North’s Linklater Reserve in Kelvin Groce Road has just been opened and is part of short walk around the reserve. The track is a mixture of boardways and a limestone gravel path over some slopes. A gazebo is at the highest point with expansive views of the city towards the ranges.

The park is right underneath the north eastern flight path for aircraft landing and taking off from Palmerston North Airport.

The $27,000 swingbridge was paid for as a joint venture between the Palmerston North City

Council, the Kelvin Grove Community Association ($10,000) and the Fitzherbert Lions ($4000).

The swing bridge is being connected to the existing network of paths, offering an alternative route for the sure-footed. “It’s basically a piece of play equipment that will be narrow and intentionally wobbly.” said Aron Phillips, City Senior property and parks planner.

Further developments for the reserve from this year’s council budget of $106,000 include bringing a water connection to the boundary to service future facilities such as toilets and drinking fountains, infill planting, and design work to open and develop the remaining 20 hectares of the land for public use.

The first 5.5-hectare section of the reserve was officially opened on a community planting day in May 2011.

Above top: The track up to the top of the hill and gazebo.

Below right: The new suspension bridge.

Below left: The view from the gazebo looking towards the city.

Above: One of a number of the many information signs beside the walkway.

Left: A carved seat out of a tree stump.