Free beachfront BBQ

With the official opening celebration of the Oneroa walk and cycleway happening tomorrow the final features will continue to be fine-tuned over the next few weeks.

Feature seating had been installed at Beacon Street thanks to sponsorship from the Poverty Bay Wairoa Federation of Women’s Institute and Rotary Club Gisborne.

“But we are on the lookout for one more sponsor for the last seat,” says engineering and works group manager Peter Higgs.

Restoration planting is underway with more planting happening on 2 August with volunteer help from Midway Surf Club.

“We have erected dune fencing that should help protect the new plants and ask people to please avoid walking on the dunes.”

There is around 600m of raised timber decking along the walkway which allows for underneath ventilation to help preserve the life of the timber.

“Please take care when walking or cycling as the decking has a drop on both sides.”

Two new electric double burner barbeques and picnic tables have been installed, one near the Midway Surf Club and a second towards the Beacon Street carpark.

“The barbeques still have safety measures to be added before they are turned on but they will be free for people to use and will add an extra experience for people to enjoy our beachfront,” says Mr Higgs.

Seat tops have been installed to finish off the BBQ areas, but the recycled timber will take 4 to 6 weeks to ‘weather’ before settling.

“People should avoid sitting on them after rain just for the next few weeks, as the timber can leach causing some rust-like stains.”

Waste bins will also be going in soon.

Other features installed along the walkway include four showers and four drinking fountains, as well as bike racks.

The Oneroa cycle and walkway opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday 1 August at 12 noon starting at the Midway Beach end of the walkway.

The Poverty Bay Wairoa Federations of Women’s Institute will be running a free sausage sizzle on the day.

ENDS

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