Untold hours of volunteer work by the Keep Alexandra and Clyde Beautiful group and supporters who planted more than 500 plants, dug, mulched and added irrigation, seating and sculptures along the walkway were marked at a function last week.
The walkway is off Gillaly Way, at the lower end of Aronui Rd, and meets Kamaka Cres, off Aronui Rd, near Lanes Dam. The $31,000 upgrade and beautification project was runner-up in the 2013 Fonterra Environmental Awards, held in conjunction with Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
Donations were received from the Central Lakes Trust, the Glad McArthur Book Committee, the New Zealand Rhododendron Society and the Vincent Community Board as well as from members of the community.
Project convener Ann Wills, of Alexandra, said 11 businesses supplied goods or services for the walkway. She praised the efforts of the group and all the project's supporters.
''This has created a magic spot we should all be very proud of,'' she said.
The group has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and the Roy family, of Alexandra, donated a seat for the walkway in memory of their parents, Agnes and Bob Roy. The seat was originally from Carisbrook's Rose Stand.
Mrs Roy, who died in February, was a sports fan and a foundation member of Keep Alexandra and Clyde Beautiful. Three red rhododendrons were donated and are planted nearby.
