An exciting project to compliment key sections of the Wanaka foreshore is now available for comment Queenstown Lakes District Council project manager Anne Relling said.

The idea is to make the best use of the spectacular views and features along the trail from Roys Bay to Beacon Point Ms Relling said.

At present, work was already being undertaken to widen the trail to make room for all the different users including walkers bikers buggies and dog walkers.

The eight identified key points have been designed to encourage greater use of the foreshore area for picnics and recreational enjoyment Theres some really attractive new seating included in the designs she said.

There was also a possibility that the points of interest would lend themselves to the introduction of some land art or sculpture.

Thats an exciting idea that we plan to explore The other positive about these points or nodes as they are called is that they ensure clear connections with residential areas she said.

Existing natural features such as the wetland area would be enhanced by the proposed landscaping In the case of the wetland an interactive boardwalk was proposed.

It has really taken existing features and given them better emphasis Ms Relling said.

The landscaping design which received support from the Wanaka Community Board WCB was developed by the Isthmus Group.

Landscape design work for the Eely Point recreation reserve had also been completed by the same landscaping company.

The foreshore design would be open to public comment from now through to July 7 2006 Copies were available from the Wanaka council office or could be viewed on the home page of the council website wwwqldcgovtnz.

"Once comments are received the design work will go back to the WCB for final approval and will then be implemented over the next two years in stages," Ms Relling said. The council had allocated $200,000 in the draft Council Community Plan for Wanaka foreshore development.

ENDS

For more information please contact Anne Relling 03 441 0499 Qtwn 03 443 8197 Wanaka 0274 930 400

By: Sarah