Bike park plans on track

ROAD SKILLS: The road safety park in Napier is similar to the one proposed for Palmerston North. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Progress is being made on a proposed Junior Road Safety Park with organisers just $64,000 shy of their target.

The project was kicked off about three years ago by the Pascal Street Community Trust. A partnership with the Palmerston North City Council has been established, with the council putting up the first $100,000 for the project.

The total projected cost is $305,000 with $240,800 already in the bank.

Pascal Street Community Trust committee member Karen Naylor said the collaboration with council had enabled them to finalise their plans sooner.

"Council have been great and with their expertise they were able to do the layout and figure out our costings. They will also project manage the park once construction begins and it'll essentially be gifted to council who will take care of the ongoing maintenance."

The park is going to be constructed at the Victoria Esplanade on a piece of land adjacent to Fitzherbert Avenue.

"The location fits in really well as the land is not being used at the moment. It has access to the river cycleway and has the large carpark by the children's playground already there."

The park is set to include roundabouts, turning bays, traffic lights, options for parallel parking as well as give way and stop signs.

"These are the things children will encounter on the road," Mrs Naylor said.

"It's a great opportunity for children to learn how to take care on the roads while practising in a safe environment first."

Mrs Naylor said the park could also be utilised by community groups and reinforces Palmerston North as a cycle destination. "The positives are multi-faceted. It's consistent with being a cycle city and it's great for good health and wellbeing."

The project recently received two grants of $50,000 from the Eastern and Central Community Trust and the Lottery Facilities fund. The trust is hoping to find the remaining money in time for construction to begin in August.

"Ideally we'd like it open in November in time for the summer holidays."

Mrs Naylor said the park would also show parents there were safe options for children getting to and from school.

"We're seeing more and more parents dropping their kids to school ... this is a way of showing them another safe option alongside other initiatives like bikes in schools."

If you're interested in donating to the park or finding out more, call Karen Naylor on (06) 354-4820 or visit the Facebook page - Junior Road Safety Park.