Fitzroy Beach’s boardwalks are about to go splinter-free!

NPDC will be replacing the old boards with a mix of concrete path and plastic-composite boards – the same type that features at Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara.

The new path along this section of the Coastal Walkway will be wider and easier to use for those with mobility aides such as walkers or scooters and will be flush with the ground.

They will also be a consistent width of 1.5 metres, whereas the current width varies along their lengths.

“The old wooden boards have largely served us well but they’ve reached the end of their life, especially as we get complaints every summer about splinters in bare feet,” says Manager Parks and Open Spaces Conrad Pattison.

“The composite boards have worked really well in Waitara – they’ve been in there for years and they look as good as the first day they were put in. They don’t split, twist or lift like wooden ones do.

“About a third of the pathway will have these boards and they should do really well in a similar beach area like Fitzroy.”

The work starts today (Monday) on the first area (nearest the campground) and will be immediately followed by the second (on the other side of the surf club). The project should be finished by mid-August.

The public will be able to access the club facilities and café during the works.

“This is the best time of year to do this work because it’s quieter with less foot traffic,” says Conrad.

Fast facts:

• NPDC looks after 82km of walkways in the district, including the 13.2km of the Coastal Walkway.
• We also take care of 68ha of coastal dunes, 1,600ha of park and reserve land, and 16ha of gardens.

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