GoldenFootAwards

Whakatane’s Warren Cole Walk and Cycleway facility has won best walking facility at the national Golden Foot Walking Awards in Wellington.

Whakatane beat other finalists, Auckland, Timaru and Tasman, with an innovative walkway development that showcases national best practise and support for community walking initiatives.

Whakatane Mayor Colin Holmes accepted the award on August 1.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for our small district, especially being up against other centres such as Auckland.”

“What makes it extra special, is that the project was developed with so much community input,” he said.

Thirty three nominations were submitted for the awards, open to private and public organisations, not-for-profit groups and community organisations.

The Warren Cole Walkway was officially opened in December last year and stretches from the Whakatane River Bridge to the Whakatane Gardens and Amphitheatre.

Opus International Consultants designed the walkway and managed the physical works. A number of local contractors were also involved, including Tracks Concrete Ltd, Horizon Energy, FX Network Ltd, Sissan Engineering and Ngati Awa Master Carvers.

The project cost $1.1 million, funded by The Whakatane District Council, NZ Transport Agency and the Eastern Bay Energy Trust. For more information please contact the Community Facilities Manager, Paula Chapman on 07 306 0500.