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Over 2000
people attended the
Ngati Otara Bike Pathway opening
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Founded more than 30 years ago by philanthropist Sir
Owen Glenn, his foundation prioritised large wide-reaching projects in Otara, a
low decile economically challenged suburb, which focus on education, family
wellbeing and sport.
The pathways provide a safe accessible location for children
and families to exercise. Many local children have never ridden a bike in their
life, so the club worked with local trusts to also help provide schools with
bikes and safety equipment. Children (and adults) can learn to ride in a safe,
controlled location away from traffic. Bike riding improves cognitive
processing as well as the obvious fitness benefit. Healthy eating is taught
concurrently. Local sports and health organisations have an on-going
relationship with each participating school.
Local contractors have been engaged in the construction of
the paths. Where possible, resources have been sourced from local business. The
pathways are constructed from low maintenance recycled materials donated by
local business of which on-going supply of material has been made available to
ensure safety and sustainable operation of the paths will take place.
The three tracks combined extend over two kilometres of
mostly flat terrain surrounding parks will be utilised by more than 500
students per week from the ten surrounding schools within a 1.5 km radius.
The pathways are also used by joggers, mothers walking their
babies and sports teams. Fitness equipment and family areas are planned follow
on projects linked to these pathways, and the project’s core goals of family
wellbeing.
The Ngati Otara Bike Pathway opening was shared by the
season launch of the Vodaphone Warriors NRL rugby league team. In addition to
over 2000 local residents and children who turned up, it was a great media
opportunity for the club with press, radio and television coverage.
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Botany East
Tamaki Rotarian Andy Kramer
and Honorary Member Joan Swift
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Our formula for success has to been to leverage the
vocational base across our small club of under 30 members. Many hands have made
light work. Under the guidance of a Project Coordinator, Past President Ewen
Brunskill, a well-tested plan to build relationships, engage Council and
external organisations, plan and project manage the stages of construction,
with follow through to launch event and on-going sustainability has been
built. Add to this the extra excitement these three pathways have created
in the club, and we can truly say that our Rotary is back on track.
This highly successful project earned the club a District
Public Relations award plus a Rotary International Significant Achievement
Award and was also published in the New Zealand Communities in Action booklet.
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By Past President Mike Jaggs, Rotary Club of
Botany East Tamaki
THE LOW DOWN
The
building of the three local Bike Pathway was project managed by the Rotary Club
of Botany East Tamaki on behalf of the Glenn Family Foundation and the council
Local Board.
The
Ngati Otara Park opening event was shared with the Vodaphone Warriors season
opening with over 2000 people in attendance, plus press, radio and TV media.
Success formula involves partnerships and leverage.
