New Bridge in Oteha Valley
March 13, 2009

The opening of a new bridge next Tuesday in Oteha Valley will positively transform the walking environment for local residents.

The recently constructed Mason Pond Bridge will connect Crimson Reserve with Medallion Reserve and make walking easier, quicker and more picturesque.

The Mason Pond Bridge was result a joint project between the Parks and Transport divisions of council and will be officially opened by John McLean of the Albany Community Board at 10am on Tuesday, March 17.

Around 100 students from Oteha Valley School will be in attendance along with special guest, MAXX the Pukeko, the TravelWise mascot.

The bridge’s construction is part of a larger council plan to make North Shore City a place where people can enjoy walking for both transport and recreation.

Local artist John Ferguson has assisted with the creation of this bridge, drawing inspiration from the surrounding native plant species to design a structure that is in harmony with its setting and which enhances the area’s appeal.

Megan Bowden, principal at Oteha Valley School, welcomes the opening of the new bridge.

“Many families had been put off walking to school because they had such a long way to walk to get to school.

"Now, thanks to this new bridge, the walk to school is that much quicker and that much more attractive,” says Ms Bowden.

Helen Whittal, TravelWise co-ordinator at North Shore City Council, says she hopes that the new bridge will encourage more people to choose walking instead of using their cars.

“We would love to see more children using this bridge for their walk to school and less children being taken to school in private motor vehicles,” says Ms Whittal.

“To support this goal, we will be looking to establish a walking school bus along that route so that the walk to school can be both fun and safe.”

For more information on walking school buses and how you can get involved, please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz, keyword search ‘walking school bus.’

ENDS

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