The new Tīrau Walkway has been met with delight by local residents after the official opening took place this afternoon.
Roughly 80 Tīrau residents were in attendance at the ceremony as a local kaumatua provided a blessing over the site and followed by a tour of the new track.
For Mayor Jenny Shattock today marked a special occasion for the northern most town in our district and further acknowledged that Tīrau remains a vital part of our district.
“We at the South Waikato District Council are thrilled to have finally reached this stage of the project,” Mayor Shattock said.
“Truthfully, it has taken a long time to reach this point with many I’s needing to be dotted and T’s having to be crossed off. However, we’ve finally made it. Today is the culmination of years of hard work and planning coming to fruition.”
Mayor Shattock believes the new track would fulfil its intended purpose which was to promote exercise, enhance the health and well-being of local residents and provide another public open space to walk, play and relax in.
“Now we have completed this stage, we are certain to see Tīrau residents take full advantage and utilise the walkway and beautiful recreational reserve once again,” she added.
There are further plans ahead for the Tīrau Walkway with the construction of the pedestrian bridge across the Oraka stream set to begin within the next 12 months joining the two halves of the domain.
In the 2020-21 financial year, there will be exciting additions set for the Tīrau Domain with a permanent carpark, playground, toilets and pay showers as well as landscaping all proposed for the SH1/SH5 roundabout end of the Domain.
Mayor Shattock also paid tribute to the many groups and individuals who were integral in this project. The Tīrau Community Board and Domain Advisory Group both played an important part in ensuring the walkway came to life. While NZTA’s financial contribution and the work done by Kiwi Rail were noted too.
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