It was with great excitement the students from Mount Maunganui Intermediate, local residents and council staff gathered on Thursday morning to officially open two upgraded alleyways in Arataki.
The students created some fantastic art panels and had fun making over the bollards at the entry and exit points of the alleyways.
Council contractor Higgins worked on concrete path upgrades, drainage improvements, installation of a safety mirror, and improving the kerbs at alleyway entrances.
The council’s street lighting contractor, McKays, installed new LED streetlight while Resene sponsored paint for the alleyway fences. These were painted by local community members, students and staff from the council’s transportation team.
Mount Maunganui Intermediate Principal Lisa Morresey was impressed with the hard work of the students and their art teacher, Sally Wylie, during last term to produce some fantastic murals to brighten up the alleyways.
“The project allowed our students to give back to the Mount Maunganui community and create a point of interest in our neighbourhood,” she said.
“They enjoyed working collaboratively and watching the mural evolve, adding features that interest them, like insects and bugs.
“We hope our community enjoys the project over the coming months.”
The council’s Manager of Network Safety and Sustainability, Martin Parkes, said working with the local community to provide an attractive alternative route for biking and walking had been an enjoyable experience.
“This is the first community based alleyways improvement project that council has supported,” he said.
“These alleyways are a popular link through the area for school children and our community and we are very happy to have been a part of the project.”
Mount Maunganui Intermediate students have created artworks for all of their community to enjoy.