When Horsham Downs residents asked Waikato District Council for a footpath along Osborne Road so that their children could walk to school they were told that this stretch of busy rural road did not qualify for a footpath.
So they did it anyway.
Local mum, Julie Roe rallied the community to support the project. Surveying, tree removal, metal and cartage worth around $20,000 were all donated to make the 1.5km footpath a reality. Having achieved a safe route to Horsham Downs School they realised that an extension south to the outskirts of Hamilton was possible. Hamilton City Council came to the party by allowing access to a 3km stretch of future road reserve. This now provides a safe off road walking and cycling route linking Horsham Downs to the city.
In Wellington last weekend at the Living Streets conference the Horsham Downs link won a special Golden Foot award for a community 'can do' project. Judges said that this project shows what can be achieved by a determined and passionate community working alongside their local councils. I would add that having a Julie Roe in the community makes all the difference.
So they did it anyway.
Local mum, Julie Roe rallied the community to support the project. Surveying, tree removal, metal and cartage worth around $20,000 were all donated to make the 1.5km footpath a reality. Having achieved a safe route to Horsham Downs School they realised that an extension south to the outskirts of Hamilton was possible. Hamilton City Council came to the party by allowing access to a 3km stretch of future road reserve. This now provides a safe off road walking and cycling route linking Horsham Downs to the city.
In Wellington last weekend at the Living Streets conference the Horsham Downs link won a special Golden Foot award for a community 'can do' project. Judges said that this project shows what can be achieved by a determined and passionate community working alongside their local councils. I would add that having a Julie Roe in the community makes all the difference.
