Wānaka’s new pathway to link local schools and the Wānaka Recreation Centre is nearly complete, with construction now underway on sections of the final stage of ‘Schools to Pool’.

When completed, it will provide a safe travel loop for kids (and adults) travelling between home, school, and the pool, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.

“...[It] will further improve walkable neighbourhoods that promote safer, greener, and healthier school travel and other movements in and around Wānaka,” Tony said.

The first three stages of ‘Schools to Pool’ included new signalised crossings on Ballantyne Road and Aubrey Road and construction of a shared pathway running from Kelly’s Flat Recreation Reserve through to Plantation Road and on through Lismore Park to the intersection of Little Street and Hedditch Street.

In stage four the pathway will be extended from Hedditch Street down to cross State Highway 84 (SH84), before heading up Ballantyne Road to the signalised crossing near Golf Course Road, Tony said.

Crews have already started work on the section of pathway running along Ballantyne Road adjacent to Wānaka Golf Club and construction of the Hedditch Street portion of the pathway will begin this week (work has closed Hedditch Street from yesterday - Monday April 22).

Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said the completed pathway would have many benefits and make it easier for people to move around Wānaka while leaving the car at home.

“Safe, well-designed active travel options encourage more people to get out and about on foot, by bike, scooter or mobility device, reducing emissions and creating healthy, safe, and successful neighbourhoods for our community to enjoy,” he said.

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing stage four of the project better connect Wānaka’s town centre and Three Parks facilities. This section of the pathway will certainly be well used in years to come.”

QLDC said the pathway is due to be completed by mid-May.

Dates are still to be confirmed for construction of a signalised crossing over SH84 which will  connect the pathway from Hedditch Street to the southern side of Ballantyne Road.

PHOTO: Wānaka App