New pathways will make for smooth ride

North Hagley Park will soon have a continuous, sealed pathway around its perimeter.

The new surface will make it easier for people in wheelchairs, those with prams and those on bikes to enjoy the park environment.

The boardwalk under construction in the native garden at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Work is currently happening on the final section of shingle path from the Armagh Street bridge to Carlton Mill corner.  The path is currently fenced off while sealing work takes place, with an expected finish date of July, depending on the weather. 

When finished there will be a complete, sealed pathway around the entire park as the South Hagley perimeter paths have also been sealed. The work is part of an ongoing plan to renew the “old and tired” pathway network, says Hagley Park Manager Rupert Bool.

It joins a recent upgrade of the Armagh St bridge to Armagh Street carpark path and the Kate Sheppard walkway within the Botanic Gardens, along with a new timber boardwalk currently under construction in the native garden.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens director Wolfgang Bopp says the new boardwalk is part of a suite of work designed to enrich the visitor experience.

 “It will give visitors to the gardens a nicer experience of the lake and the plantings,” he says.

“Along with the new boardwalk we are also upgrading the main path next to the herbaceous border from the edge of the visitors’ centre to the public toilets by the Robert McDougall Art Gallery.”

The existing Hospital Woodland Walkway has been improved and two small pedestrian bridges are also being renewed.

“These projects are all being done in the winter when there are fewer visitors to the gardens. They align with the Botanic Gardens spatial plan which is about enriching the visitor experience and enabling access to a wide range of people.”

Work should be finished in late June or July.