a day ago
Lake boardwalk taking shape
Piles and steel beams put in during the construction of a new boardwalk along the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Work on the final section of the 15km Lake Brunner Scenic Trail is ramping up with a new 400m boardwalk taking shape on the southwestern side of the lake at Mitchells.
The work adjoins swampland, linking Mitchells and Carew Bay, and affords spectacular views.
The work replaces what was a dilapidated Department of Conservation (Doc) boardwalk and is key to opening up the community volunteer-led Lake Brunner Scenic Trail from Moana to Mitchells.
And the project is on its final push.
Lake Brunner Scenic Trail committee member John Mullins said they hoped to complete construction by the end of the year.
"We're hoping it takes us to the finish," he said.
"The latest trail construction is well advanced, from Bain Bay to Carew Bay, around Drakes Point, with a further 2km to go."
The new boardwalk crosses the lake edge from Carew Bay Beach, skirting Carew Bay swamp, Drakes and Eel creeks, and on to Mitchells.
Mr Mullins said the original intention was for Doc to upgrade that section of trail. But due to budget constraints the trust had taken full responsibility for funding and constructing the final section. Final completion still depended on funds, with a $300,000 shortfall.
Mr Mullins said the committee was working on that and would once again host the Lake Brunner Trail Run this year to help raise the money. In the past six weeks, work had been intense with volunteers having to manage lake levels while aligning the new boardwalk height.
About 70 piles had been driven and the steel beams put in place for the 400m boardwalk.
Once completed, trail users will have a scenic view showing off the local ecology, with swampland on one side and a view out to the lake on the other.
So far, 12km of trail starting at the Moana Community Centre to the south end of Bain Bay has been completed.
It includes the new Kiwi Bridge across the Hohonu River, 9.6km from Moana. The new structure connecting Irishman's Bay and Bain Bay was completed earlier in the year and opened at Easter.
Mr Mullins said a community working bee was being organised this weekend to install the beams and decking on as many spans as possible.
The committee is looking for volunteers to help build spans today. — By Arianna Stewart, Allied Media
