Celebrating Community - Waimate Trackways Inc – vision, dedication and good times - a winning combination
More people, more active, more often – this was the original mission and Waimate Trackways decided to accept it.
Waimate Trackways Inc. traces its beginnings back to 2006 when it was formed in response to Waimate District Council’s Physical Activity survey to identify the community's recreational interests. Since then, the Trackways group has steered the development of walking and cycling tracks throughout the Waimate District with some members of the original group still serving on the committee 20 years later.
It was a visionary group right from the start. With the growing popularity of walking and cycling, the development of tracks in Waimate seemed like a sure winner for locals and visitors alike. Whether directly involved in track building, beautifying, promoting, or opting to manage ongoing maintenance, members of the Trackways group have never shied away from the task.
The group readily admits it couldn’t have done this alone. The planning, building, and ongoing care of the tracks over the past two decades have relied heavily on the dedication of local community organisations and volunteers.
Anyone is welcome to help out. Trackways gatherings are always social times. There is nothing like sitting down with a cuppa and one of Glenda’s scones after a few hours of planting.
Waimate Trackways volunteers planting along Garlands Track
And where are some of these tracks and walkways: the urban pathways around the Golf Course and Mill Road, Garlands and Naylor Tracks that follow the Waimate Creek on the fringe of town, Knottingley Park Track, The Whitehorse Walkway & Ecosanctuary, Link Track, and the Glenavy Recreational Reserve. Trackways members continue to help with the Studholmes Bush Tracks and are working with Waimate2gether on the Waimate Trail.
The sight of people walking or cycling about Waimate is not uncommon. We take it for granted. Whether it be parents pushing prams, retirees with their dogs, walkers and cyclists taking in the fresh air (maybe not sunshine!) and chatting over coffee afterwards, or the more ambitious athletes and bikers testing their mettle on the hill climbs. Thanks, Trackways for spearheading the mission.
If you would like to be involved, check out the Facebook page or contact Glenda Begg - g.m.begg@gmail.com - for more information.