Refurbished Feldwick Gates open again

Isis Jennings, of Invercargill, pushes her son Logan (2) on a swing. PHOTOS: LUISA GIRAO

Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt said he learned to never judge a book by its cover.

However, he said this idiom could not be applied in relation to the Feldwick Gates, entrance to Queens Park, one of the main assets of the city.

"It is magnificent. It is the perfect cover for this iconic park."

Sir Tim was among the people who were part of the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the Feldwick Gates on Saturday.

Invercargill City Council’s parks operation manager Chris McAulay, Waihopai Runuka kaumatua Michael Skerrett and Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Feldwick Gates, Queens Park.

Invercargill City Council Group Manager Leisure and Recreation Steve Gibling said the closure in October was necessary to remove old macrocarpa trees, which had become a risk to public safety.

The project cost for the Feldwick Gates tree removal and landscape improvements was estimated at $370,000.

"We took the opportunity to also rejuvenate the area around the gates, creating a new space for the community to gather and socialise while highlighting the beautiful gates themselves."