All tracks within Eskdale Reserve Network, running across Glenfield and Birkdale, are being upgraded to meet new kauri dieback mitigation standards and to enable sections to be used by mountain bikers.
The main spine and perimeter track will become a shared mountain bike and pedestrian track, providing an off-road riding option for local riders.
The works are being delivered in three stages, with each stage delivered in sections and re-opened upon completion to minimise disruption.
Stage two works got underway this month. These will involve the upgrade of the main spine and loop track and include improving drainage, track resurfacing, and the rerouting of sections of track to avoid kauri trees and improve gradients for the use of mountain bikes.
New sections of boardwalk are also being installed, along with new bridges and three kauri dieback hygiene stations.
Weather dependent, stage two works will be completed in October this year. Final stage three works, involving the upgrade of remaining side-tracks, will be completed in 2021.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon says the works represent a sizable investment in a fantastic and deceptively large network of tracks.
“A total 6km of interconnected track is being upgraded, from the entrance on Kaipatiki Road to the intersection behind 82 Eskdale Road, and then from there onto the main loop section running across towards Domain Road, Chelsea Pony Club and Glenfield Cemetery.”
“It’s a huge area and its upgrade will make it much more attractive and accessible to people living in the area to use for passive and active recreation,” says Gillon.
A helicopter will also be used at times to drop materials into the reserve at various times during construction. Please look out for signs showing alternative routes during this time.
Funding for the works comes from a combination of NETR (targeted kauri dieback rate) and Kaipātiki Local Board renewals funding.
The Eskdale Reserve Network consists of Birkenhead Domain, Eskdale Scenic Reserve, Francis Kendell Reserve, Glenfield Cemetery, Hiwihau Reserve, Kelmar Scenic Reserve, Lauderdale Reserve, Park Reserve and Tree View Reserve.
