The bridges are part of the wider plan for the park and also form important connections to the Pioneer Walkway, which runs from Te Ara Kihikihi to Te Awamutu College. This will also improve pedestrian, disability, mobility scooter, pushchairs and cycling access in the area and improve transport choices around town.
This work is part of the final War Memorial Concept Plan, adopted by the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee on 1 June 2021.
This work will reinstate the bridges crossing the Mangaohoi Stream, which commemorate the New Zealand Army (Papatūānuku), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (Ranginui) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (Tangaroa), and have been designed in collaboration with the Te Awamutu Returned and Services Association (RSA) and mana whenua.
What's the timeframe?
Installing new bridges takes a few steps, preparation for the bridge's delivery, installing and connecting the bridges and reinstating the area.
To undertake the work for the installation of the bridge, we have cordoned off the work site on the north side of the Mangaohoe Stream so we can get ready for the bridge's arrival and installation. This is the area where the current dog exercise area is so dog-walkers will need to use other exercise areas. Check out other dog exercise areas here.
- We have driven the piles for both of the bridges and the one nearest the playground has had the bridge installed, while the one near the netball courts we will install once the new bridge has been painted.
- Installation of the bridges has created a bit of mess, but we will do our best to keep as much of the park open as we can. Any repair work needed will be undertaken once the ground conditions are more suitable.
Access to the children's playground and pond will be maintained throughout the work programme.
Learn more about the War Memorial Park concept plan here.
