Riverside Park receives helping hand

As part of a series of upgrades, a group of mainly volunteers planted native trees on the banks of the Riverside Park recently.

Staff from Quality Print joined contractors for the planting days on July 22 and 23 to install a new area of vegetation along the bank of the Waikato River.

Quality Print, a long time Taupo print business, approached Taupo District Council seeking an opportunity to assist with some planting at one of the areas reserves. “We wanted to give something back to the community, after they had given so much to us” said Quality Print managing director Shawn Vennell.

Taupo District Council Parks and Open Spaces Manager John Ridd said it is very satisfying for TDC staff to have members of the community involved in these projects, especially at the ground level. “It just so happened that we had this project coming up so it worked out really well. We were impressed by Quality Print’s enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.”

The planting, which consisted of all native trees, is intended to create links to ongoing vegetation projects currently underway along the banks of the Waikato River. The new vegetation is also intended to improve the ecological value and amenity of the park, reduce areas requiring mowing, reduce accessibility to dangerous areas near the control gate, while also screening the traffic from SH1.

The planting along the riverbank is part of the ongoing development of Riverside Park and follows the objectives of the 2006 short to medium term plan. This plan also outlined the construction of a temporary stage, new pathways, earthworks for the amphitheatre and extensive tree and ground cover planting; much of which has been completed.

According to contractors the Quality Print team “worked like Trojans”. Quality Print will also be making a financial donation towards the planting project.