Swimming hole upgraded

By Frank Neill

The popular Wainuiomata Regional Park swimming hole – known locally as “the ultimate” –is now open again.

Greater Wellington Regional Council closed the swimming hole on 7 February so a new retaining wall to stop erosion at the popular swimming destination could be built.

The riverbank had become unstable due to the river naturally eating away at the bank and the popularity of the spot with people getting in and out of the river.

In order to make this swimming hole safe and swim-

To the Editor

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please. Email them to news@wsn. co.nz or drop in to our office at 23 Broderick Road, mable for years to come, the council has built a new natural retaining wall using a product called FlexMSE.

This is a retaining wall that can actually be planted. The idea is that over time these plants will grow and cover the retaining wall with natural foliage, while the bags themselves have a soft fabric surface suitable for swimmers' feet.

Located around half way along the Gums Loop track, “the ultimate” has been a local favourite for generations. Now that the new wall is in place, it will be planted so that over time the plants will grow and cover the wall.