The successful opening of the Geraldine Sculpture Trail is testament to the community’s passion to develop the town as a visitor destination and create something nationally unique.
On the timeline below are the pivotal milestones in the development of this unique trail.
There have been hours of volunteer time, commitment and generous community sponsorship that have driven this project.
2018:
The idea is born
Local Promotions Association, Geraldine.nz, hosted a public meeting to discuss the concept of public art following informal discussions around enhancing the town and embracing Geraldine’s artistic reputation.
Local businessman Michael Barker (Barker’s of Geraldine) shared a long-held vision to create a combined trail encompassing the existing riverside trail, Talbot Forest, then following a marked route through the centre of town. Michael’s idea included the use of sculpture as a way to enhance and differentiate Geraldine’s unique proposition.
Geraldine.nz and Michael worked in partnership to socialise this idea around the community and with key stakeholders at the Timaru District Council (TDC).
In parallel, the Geraldine Community Board was working with the TDC to establish an agreement to govern the riverside trail.
March 2020:
Riverside trails were confirmed
In March 2020, Memoranda of Understanding for the riverside trail were finally confirmed between the TDC and the landowners, Land Information New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
June 2020:
Initial funding secured and project group formed
Following the COVID-19 lockdown, funding became available for the development of tourism projects within the Timaru District via the Government’s Strategic Tourism Asset Protection Programme (STAPP).
The Trail concept was granted $75k towards the project.
The Geraldine Sculpture Trail Group (GST) formed.
The project group is a cross-organisational project group featuring members from the Geraldine Community Board, Geraldine Licensing Trust, DOC, Timaru District Council, and Geraldine.nz. There are also a range of key stakeholders in the project, including Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua.
The project operates under the umbrella of Geraldine.nz, with project managers enacting the project group’s strategy.
May 2021:
Design
Christchurch-based Rough & Milne Landscape Architects undertook the first phase of design with the aim of developing an initial visionary concept plan for the trail, with a colour palette that referenced the local natural and built environments.
The second phase of design required defining individual loops and the Waihi River Loop was selected as the first stage of the project.
Glasson Huxtable Landscape Architects, also Christchurch based, and specialists in implementation design, undertook the 2nd phase of design.
September 2021:
Community consultation
The resulting design plan was made available for community consultation. A total of 34 submissions were received and the proposed plan was viewed by 135 people on the geraldine.nz as well as being available at site around the town.
Each submission was considered by the project group and a response sent to each submitter.
Almost all submissions received were in favour and supportive of the design plan and the trail concept.
July 2022:
Earthworks on the Reserves and River loop
Earthworks on the Reserves and River loop were completed and the trail looked fantastic!
Next steps were the boardwalk ramp and river viewing platform costings, funding and installation.
2023:
Waihi River trail opened
Constructed in 2023, the Waihi River Trail follows the banks of the Waihi River, connecting via the Kennedy Park footbridge and the Todd Park road bridge. Flat and wheelchair/stroller accessible, this trail winds through a peaceful stretch of forest on the Kennedy Park side of the river and passes beneath arching trees in Todd Park.
29th April 2023
Donee for a sculpture
On 29th April 2023 Mrs J Blair generously reached out via her son Warren and daughter in law Sherri to become the inaugural donee for a sculpture.
March 2024
Rhododendron Dell Trail
The second loop called the Rhododendron Dell Trail completed construction. This was built by Eli Palmer of Ez Fencing, Rick O’Leary from Rick’s Rock Walls and Rusty Sullivan from Sullivan Contracting.
April 2024
Domain Trail
The third loop called the Domain Trail was completed courtesy of Timaru District Council who lay the connecting trail by the Croquet grounds and along to Talbot St car park which completed the loop.
May 2024
The viewing Platform
The viewing Platform funded by Aotearoa Gaming Trust was constructed by Caleb King King Construction and Rick O’Leary from Ricks Rock Wall.