Water drained, but clean-up just beginning +video+photos

Photo/Bevan Conley

Excess water at Kowhai Park has now fully drained away but Wanganui District Council workers say it could take months to complete the clean-up.

Half a metre of thick silt and mud still cover many of the park's attractions, and there are two diggers working to remove it.

Video

Council senior parks officer Wendy Bainbridge said it was very difficult to estimate a timeline for the opening of the playground. "This is not an easy operation, and the clean-up is more likely to be measured in months, not weeks.

"Work is happening on several fronts. It will depend on weather, continued availability of machinery and volunteers.

"The Lions Club is clearing the railway area, including tracks and the train station. Another team is working to clear immediately around play equipment to avoid damage from machinery, and Downer is shifting the large amounts of silt."

The clean-up will take some time. Photo/Bevan Conley

Ms Bainbridge says it is likely the grass will have to be prepped and resown once the silt has fully dried. The present low temperatures and continued rain are not ideal for grass growth, which will have the most significant impact on getting the playground open.

Ms Bainbridge said all in-ground infrastructure would require a full condition and performance assessment, and repair and replacement where necessary. The council reports that the toilet block requires upgrading.

The council also asks the public not to enter the park, to allow machine operators to proceed faster.

Image 1 of 10: