Jeanette praised the widened and smoother track, designed to accommodate mobility scooters and walking sticks, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty along the trail. Joining her on this special walk was Jan Shelton, former manager of Ashley Gorge Holiday Park, who expressed delight in riding her scooter along the track to the lookout.
At a recent gathering, Ashley Gorge Advisory Group chairman Robert Judson officially inaugurated the 500m long wheelchair-accessible lookout track, thanking sponsors and volunteers for their support in making the project a reality. The track took eight months to complete, with local and regional businesses contributing to its construction.
Waimakariri District Council’s support was also acknowledged, with Greenspaces community project officer Mike Kwant lauding the new trail as a valuable community asset. Jean-Pierre Derveaux, owner of Ashley Gorge Holiday Park, expressed excitement over the completion of the wheelchair-accessible track, thanking Lay Asphalt Ltd for their exceptional support throughout the project.
Derveaux emphasized the importance of community support in bringing the project to fruition, acknowledging the contributions of Lay Asphalt Ltd, Rangiora Air Cadets, and dedicated volunteers from the Ashley Gorge Advisory Group. The collaborative effort highlighted the passion and dedication of individuals working towards a common goal of enhancing the natural beauty of Ashley Gorge Reserve.