The Onepū Wetland and Mountain Bike Park is now accessible to powered wheelchair users and the mobility challenged thanks to Bay of Plenty Regional Council funding.
The Edgecumbe Lions Club made a successful application to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Environmental Enhancement Fund in June and have since constructed several paths to improve public access to the Onepū Wetlands and some sections of the Mountain Bike Park.
Edgecumbe Lions president and Eastern Bay of Plenty councillor Bill Clark said the idea to create wide, stable tracks by the wetland came about after one of the wetland restoration volunteers, Lyndal Kennedy, brought her 14-year-old son Tim with her who uses a powered wheelchair.
"Through that we could see the possibility of opening up the wetland and walking tracks to a wider range of community members including powered wheelchair users, mums with prams and the elderly," Clark said.
"These tracks have made for a more inclusive space and we are grateful to Tim for giving us a wider perspective.