Media Release

Lions open perfect new picnic spot

4 September 2014

A new project from the Edgecumbe Lion’s Club has seen a scrubby patch of road reserve alongside Mangaone Stream transformed into an attractive picnic spot and watering hole just 700 metres from the popular Onepū Community Park outside Whakatāne.

The planning, work and labour was provided by the Lion’s Club, Whakatāne Distict Council as the landowner provided the road rails and installed a culvert, and funding was provided through Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund. The new site has attractive landscaped areas, two picnic tables and a clear swimming hole in the Mangaone stream.

Edgecumbe Lion’s Club member Bill Clark, was proud of the new Mangaone Stream Reserve and looks forward to seeing locals and visitors alike making use of the new amenity.

“It really is a shining example of what can be achieved when Councils work alongside service clubs and volunteer groups to achieve a great outcome for a low cost.

“This spot was just a scrubby, neglected and weed-infested slice of road reserve with no great value to anyone. But it is now landscaped and planted with more than 500 native plants, has flat areas for overnight camping and picnicking and of course the clear Mangaone stream for those brave enough to take a dip in the cold waters.

“We have been very pleased to be able to get New Zealand Motor Homes involved and offer this as a spot for motor homes to park overnight and enjoy this slice of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“This has come together under the guidance of team leader, John Needham and a lot of hard work clearing scrub, landscaping and planting. It is a great example of WDC, the Regional Council and the Lions working together to create a wonderful community amenity,” Mr Clark said.

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