Planning is underway by a group of community representatives for more walking, cycling and horse riding trails in the Beachlands/Maraetai area.
Following community feedback, Franklin Local Board has made it a priority to plan a network of trails across the local board area. Beachlands/Maraetai is selected first for the project, and the board will work in partnership with the community to develop a greenways plan.
A new group, called the Pohutukawa Coast Trails Steering Group, was established in March this year. A broad range of local interests is represented on the group, including:
- Pōhutukawa Coast Community Association
- Pōhutukawa Coast Rotary
- Pōhutukawa Coast Bike Club
- Beachlands/Maraetai Pony Club
- Beachlands Maraetai & Districts Historical Society
- Whitford Residents & Ratepayers Association
- Pōhutukawa Coast Sea Rescue
- Te Puru
- Franklin Local Board.
The group is enthusiastic about the potential for increasing the quality, number and effectiveness of trails for walking, cycling and horse-riding in the area. Broadly the aims are to ensure that locals can easily get around using pathways and also access the coastal attractions.
“Beachlands/Maraetai has plenty of potential to add to the trails already in existence, with the possibility to link further west to Whitford and south to Clevedon in the future,” says Franklin Local Board member Malcolm Bell.
Community views on places to connect are sought. Look out for community events, such as open days, which are being planned for later in the year. In the meantime please feel free to contact any of the local groups above with thoughts and suggestions.
