Trailblazing link across wetlands

Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce President Alex Lagerwey and Secretary William Verhagen on Yarra Glen's newly-resurfaced walking track. 109212 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

By JESSE GRAHAM

TRAVERSING Yarra Glen has become easier for residents and visitors, with the recent re-surfacing of a path between the town centre and the racecourse finishing after months of planning.
The path, which crosses the wetlands area next to the IGA supermarket, was re-surfaced on last Monday after planning began in July between the Chamber of Commerce and the supermarket owners.
Chamber of Commerce President Alex Lagerwey said the paths provided a more accessible route between the racecourse and the town, as the previous path had been hard to negotiate.
“The previous trail had been overgrown, so it was unusable in wetter months, and the connection to Armstrong Grove was low-lying and totally unsatisfactory,” Mr Lagerwey said.
“Now, people can find their way more easily than they had been able to – it gives us a more direct passage on level ground.
“It’s a small win for the town and I think it’s worthwhile to acknowledge the foresight and the contribution of the owners of the supermarket complex, who committed funds to make it happen.”
Works were carried out by Frank Wood Plant Hire and Yarra Garden Supplies to lay and spread the crushed-rock cover for the path.
Mr Lagerwey said the job was professionally completed.
He said the Chamber of Commerce was hoping to organise way-finding signage for the path during the next stage of the town’s Embrace Our Street program, which has previously seen vegetation plantings around Bell Street.