New bush track for handicapped

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 27, 6 December 1983, Page 3

New bush track for handicapped

A project specifically designed to enable handicapped people to enjoy the sight, smell, sounds and touch of native bush has been under way in the Tongariro National Park for the past 6 months. Just a short distance from the Ohakune Ranger Station and using the same access as the Mangawhero Forest Walk, a track has been built that will allow wheelchairs to be used. The kilometre-long track is in the form of a loop with gentle gradients and a solid surface wide enough to take a wheelchair. The project which started in July, has beenfinanced by a donation of $1000 from the Wanganui Tramping Club and matched by a 2-1 subsidy from the National Parks and Reserves Authority making a total of $3000 in all to cover the cost of materials. A volunteer labour force from the Wanganui TrampClub and Ruapehu ^Sons have been working weekends while Park staff have supervised the work and contributed their own labour during the week to

get the track finished in time for Christmas. The work has involved carrying in tons of scoria, sand and shingle — by the individual wheel-barrow load! — as well as the building of two new bridges and the upgrading of the existing bridge over the Mangawhero Stream. The proposed route was first surveyed by Park rangers to ensure the best access to a wide range of

native trees and shrubs combined with a gentle gradient. Another factor that had to be considered was the placing of the path as close to the trees and plants as possible so that those people confined to wheelchairs can experience the sense of touch and yet, at the same time, trying to ensure minimal environmental impact damage upon the vegetation itself.