The project, which was instigated by Rotary Dunedin in 2021, involves building tracks, planting native trees and shrubs and installing shelters and equipment at the park, above Waverley.
The workforce includes members from all nine Dunedin Rotary clubs, community volunteers and track building specialist Hamish Seaton, who have collectively put in thousands of hours of work.
Along with completing a 900m loop track, the project has added a further 400 plants , including the 135 planted on Saturday by 22 volunteers. The total number of native trees and shrubs planted since 2024 now sits at 1960.
Rotary Dunedin member Fiona Nyhof said its was "quite remarkable to look back over the past two years and see how much we have achieved".
"It’s a great project to be a part of , and we are really only at the end of Stage 1 so there are lots of opportunities for more community involvement in the future," Ms Nyhof said.
"At our working bees this year we have appreciated having neighbours join us to help, and of course all the members and friends of Rotary clubs of Dunedin and Taieri who support the project," Ms Nyhof said.
"While we’ve been doing the planting and mulching work, we’ve really enjoyed seeing lots of people using the track, and greatly appreciated all their positive feedback."
Project co-leader and Dunedin Rotary member Gordon Tucker said a major achievement of the project so far has been the completion of the loop track, which had a maximum gradient of 3 degrees, making it accessible to virtually everyone.
"And while people are out there exercising, they can enjoy the spectacular 360° views over the harbour and the city."
Mr Tucker said work was now under way on a steep section of Rotary Park, which connected the park’s top level with its lower level, Harbour Heights and Connell St.
"So we want to make it easier for people to access it."
Rotarians had raised about $40,000 for the project to cover track materials, plants and more.
Mr Tucker said future plans for the 10-year project would include possibly installing an upgraded bike skills/pump track for young developing riders, creating nature play spaces, and a viewing platform near the carpark.
Toilets, barbecues and art installations were also possibilities for the future.
