The main goals of this project were to create a safe crossing for pedestrians at the intersection of Williams and Marsden Road and to beautify the gardens in the area. It was decided that a pedestrian crossing approximately 5 metres in from Marsden Road would significantly increase safety. Additional seating would make the area a perfect place to linger.
As with most projects, preliminary work was done in the weeks leading up to a weekend sprint. In this case, existing gardens were stripped and new plots created. Concrete was poured to create the new pathway, and additional old totara posts were installed.
On the late July sprint weekend, a small team of phantom gardeners braved winter weather, planting over 100 natives. A Queen Palm, donated for the east side garden, was installed (plants that size aren’t just planted!). Additional bench seating was built; existing seating was spruced up. In August, rope from the HMS Canterbury was donated and used to form railings at the crossing.
The perfect last addition to this central meeting area in town was a designated parking lot for bicycles. Three loop-de-loop bike stands were purchased and installed in the first car park on the West side of Williams Road.
