Visitors to Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens can now enjoy an improved crossing of the Willans Hill Miniature Railway line, following a revamp of the existing pedestrian bridge.
The works, carried out by Council's Parks Operations team at the Botanic Gardens, included removing the old wooden decking and installing new mesh panels.
The Botanic Gardens is a popular attraction for residents and visitors to Wagga Wagga alike, with its various garden sections, playgrounds, picnic areas, Zoo and Aviary, Miniature Railway, and the Tree Chapel.
Team Leader Jonathon Nicoll said the railway pedestrian bridge plays an important role for the movement of visitors through the gardens, enabling people of all abilities to access the Tree Chapel and Wiradjuri Walking Track from the main carpark.
"While the main structure is in good condition, the decking on the railway footbridge was getting old and starting to deteriorate, so it needed to be replaced," Mr Nicoll said.
"We had also identified that the old decking could be quite slippery in winter, so when we considering what material to use for the new surface, we decided to use the mesh boards instead of putting back down timber decking.
"The mesh boards have a non-slip, grip covering, and are used in a lot of coastal areas where high rain fall occurs. It's a huge improvement on the safety front; for example, in winter when the frost would be out, we'd have to barricade off these ramps because it was too slippery.
"Now we have improved accessibility year-round, as the new surface provides better grip for pedestrians, people using walking aids such as canes, crutches or walkers or those in wheelchairs."
At the Botanic Gardens Zoo and Aviary, the redevelopment of the popular farmyard section is progressing.
The old enclosures have been demolished, new stormwater pipes installed, and work continues on the development of new enclosures, which will feature shelters, and wet and dry areas to create more comfortable, functional, and accessible homes for their animal occupants.
As part of the project, a grassy entrance area and concrete paths will be installed to welcome visitors to the farmyard and improve their access to the animals.
