New walking and cycling tracks open at Reid’s Pit

Last modified: 13 Dec 2022 1:26pm

Selwyn District has a brand new recreational reserve at Reid’s Pit, on the corner of Weedons and Selwyn Roads.

The new 4.1 hectare reserve, near Rolleston, features two walking/running tracks and four bike-only tracks that weave through the landscaped ecological and recreational areas. Dog walking is also encouraged, as long as pets are leashed.

Open Space and Facilities Projects Manager Cameron Warr says completing the transformation of the old council gravel pit into a stunning community facility has been a long but highly rewarding journey.
“We’ve had come tricky issues to work through, including Covid holdups and last July’s flooding that meant we have had to make some repairs, so it’s really exciting to finally see this come to fruition.”

Next year, the reserve will be connected to the Lincoln/Rolleston cycleway when the Selwyn, Rolleston and Lincoln Roads intersection is upgraded. Further community planting days are also planned for 2023, following the success of previous plantings.

Work on developing the former gravel pit began about seven years ago when the Council consulted the community on what they wanted on the site. “A recreation reserve for biking and walking won hands down,” Cameron says.

A project steering group was then formed involving community and Council representatives. Lincoln University has also taken an active interest in the site through initial biodiversity assessments and a team is monitoring the reserve to determine what wildlife are living there and using it, post-development.