Rotokare track upgraded for disabled nature lovers | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

THE first 600km of the Rotokare round the lake walkway is now a smooth all-weather track, that will enable even wheelchair users to enjoy the bush. 
On Monday 25 guests went along to the wildlife reserve to testrun/walk/roll the newly completed track.  Guests included trustmembers, several members of the public, visitors from Mercy JenkinsRest Home, South Taranaki District Council, WINZ, and the TaranakiDisabilities Information Centre Trust.Since November 2009, Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust has been upgradingthe existing 4km-walking track around the lake, thanks to funding fromthe Significant Community Based Projects Fund. 
“The new track is the result of several months of hard work, technical advice from DOC staff and some good tips from the Taranaki Disabilities Information Trust.  Rotokare’s Site Manager Simon Collins,
Work was carried out by volunteers and four Community Max employees (a WINZ work initiative to get youth in to the workforce). The first 600m of the track has changed from an uneven grassychallenge to a wide smooth all-weather track, now useable by a widernumber of community users, including the wheelchair-bound. 
Following a test by visitors, all came back with glowing reports.  Boggy areason the west side of the lake have also had a boost, with the additionof 300m of boardwalk.Rotokare is a community-led project creating a pest-free sanctuary atRotokare Scenic Reserve, just 12km east of Eltham. Seewww.rotokare.org.nz to find out more.