Users of the West Harbour cycleway-walkway can now enjoy alfresco exercise sessions, with the installation of Dunedin's first set of outdoor exercise equipment.
The New Zealand-manufactured Gym Guru equipment - a shoulder grinder, stationary bike and shoulder press/pulldown machine - was installed alongside the shared pathway at Ravensbourne-Rothesay by members of the Rotary Club of Dunedin last week.
Placing the equipment marks a milestone in the three-year, $200,000 West Harbour Recreation Trail project by the club, which aims to beautify the edges of a 3km section of the cycleway-walkway, from the Boat Harbour to Maia.
A delighted West Harbour Community Board chairman Steve Walker praised the club's efforts.
"As a board, we really appreciate the fantastic work put in by the club on this project,'' he said.
"The feedback from the community has been hugely positive - people love seeing the pathway looking so good and they are already using the exercise equipment.''
The project has involved dozens of working bees to landscape the area and spread tonnes of wood chips, plant thousands of native shrubs, and install picnic tables and the equipment.
Landscape architect Mick Reece, who has been involved in the project since its inception, has designed about 20 information panels showing the history of the many settlements along the harbourside. These have been installed at vantage points along the route.
West Harbour Recreation Trail project co-ordinator Neil Lyons said the installation of the equipment, funded through a $27,400 grant from the William Sherriff Trust, and some final planting on December 3, would complete the project at the Maia end.
Next year, the project would return to the Boat Shed end of the cycleway-walkway for its final phase - landscaping and planting, a picnic area with sheltered barbecue, a tai chi area, and the installation of eight more pieces of exercise equipment. The Moller Park Memorial replacement would be sited in the area.
Two further pieces of outdoor exercise equipment would also be installed at the Ravensbourne footbridge, bringing the total to 13.
Mr Lyons said the project had inspired club members, with great turnouts to working bees, as well as significant input from Taskforce Green workers.
Rotary Club of Dunedin North members had also lent a hand.
"It has been a very satisfying project for us - and the feedback we have had from the community has been great,'' Mr Lyons said.
Mr Walker said the West Harbour cycleway-walkway continued to grow in popularity, not only with commuters, but with recreational walkers and cyclists from throughout Dunedin, he said.
The West Harbour Recreation Trail project has been supported through funding from the Otago Community Trust ($45,000), William Sherriff Trust ($27,400), Ravensdown ($10,000), Perpetual Trust ($4800), and other smaller grants.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
