Coastal Pathway extends to estuary
The Press. Saturday 5th September 2015.
The latest stage of Christchurch’s $25 million coastal pathway has opened.
Residents gathered to celebrate a further 1km section of the project being completed, which opened up the Avon Estuary for walkers and cyclists.
Tim Lindley said the opening was an exciting part of a bigger vision, connecting people to each other, the environment and the sea.
“Really, the main idea is building great things out of the rubble,” the coast pathway executive committee chairman said.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and members of the Hagley Ferrymead board spoke, before music and kapa haka groups from Mt Pleasant School performed at the opening ceremony on Friday morning.
Noah Young, a year 6 Mt Pleasant Kapa Haka performer, said the opening was exciting because of how far he got to ride his bike.
“I’m glad they opened it after the earthquakes. Its good for kids, a lot better than it was before and [it] makes it easier for us to ride our bikes”, he said.
Dalziel got the wheels turning for the public bike ride, riding through a ribbon and officially opening the path.
Dalziel said all the “hard yards” put in by the community, Fulton Hogan and others involved would pay off for Mt Pleasant and for the rest of the city.
“There are lots of enthusiastic cyclists out there. Every weekend you see people jumping on bikes. I know a lot of people will want to come down here now because the access way is so good,” Dalziel said.
Christchurch City Council funding covered the path along with a generous donation from Fulton Hogan. The Christchurch Coastal Pathway charity organisation are fundraising for “the extras”.
A long term plan for the walkway included the rebuilding of Morton’s Jetty, several lookouts and two pake shelters, inspired by woven flax historically used for shelter.
Published on Friday, September 11th, 2015, under News, Uncategorized
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