Rotary Maketu puts a new twist on Paengaroa's historic past

The village of Paengaroa began as a coach stop on the old Whakatane - Tauranga Road where travelers could rest and refresh for the onward journey.  Thanks to the Rotary Club of Maketu, that historic role has been revived in the form of a cycleway rest area where 21st century travelers can tie up their bicycles to a unique “hitching post” and relax at a picnic table under the shade of a large silk tree.
 
The hitching post is actually a cycle rack which captures the spirit of Paengaroa’s past.   Two large 19th century Penny Farthing bicycles stand guard over their modern hi-tech versions. 
Each Penny Farthing is designed around an antique wagon wheel which captures the coach-stop history of the village. 
 
The cycle rack was designed and built by Maketu Rotarian, David Campbell, with the help of professional tube benders and welders.   
 
The cycle rack and picnic table were installed by Rotary volunteers.  The project was funded by Maketu Rotary and The Rotary Foundation grant via a District 9930 Grant . The town signboard on the site was also restored and repositioned thanks to Maketu Rotarian, Frank Fraser-Jones. 
 
The rest area not only serves the many recreational cyclists and walkers who traverse the ever-expanding New Zealand cycleway system but also provides a place for locals and casual visitors to relax and contemplate the historic role of Paengaroa.  
 
Photo Caption: Paengaroa Cycleway project manager John Fowler and Maketu and Rotary president Julie Crossley  join Maketu Rotary cycling enthusiasts, Frank and Lyn Fraser-Jones, at the new cycleway way “hitching post”.