Peter Nash officially opened the bench on Monday, January 14 at its location between Laurieton Lakeside Aged Care and the Queens Lake Retirement Village at West Haven. 

Peter gave certificates of appreciation to those who were involved in the project including Queens Lake Retirement Village, Laurieton Lakeside Aged Care, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Work for the Dole crew, Mick Lee, Bob Ellicott and Neville McCarthy. 

The trail runs from the Lakewood shopping complex along the foreshore and through Henry Kendall Reserve to West Haven. 

Read more: Creek to Creek volunteers in Laurieton

Peter said the boardwalk had enabled everyone to get close to the water and enjoy the scenic landscape. 

The bench seat location was chosen after consultation with people who use the trail. 

“We identified an area alongside the boundary of Queens Lake Retirement Village and Laurieton Lakeside Aged Care that would allow for the trail users to rest or socialise with others,” Peter said. 

The trail is becoming increasingly popular with walking groups, including the Camden Haven Walking for Pleasure Group. 

“The trail aids in encouraging people to get active, which in turn provides a meeting place and helps with social inclusion,” Peter said. 

In the future, the Creek to Creek group plans to install covers for the benches so that they can provide shelter for people from the weather elements. 

The Creek to Creek group’s next project is to complete the covered shelter and seating at the start of the trail at Sirius Drive, Lakewood.

Peter Nash is organising a Laurieton Multisport Challenge event on March 31, to help fundraise for the group and its projects. 

The event will showcase the area with a paddle, run through state forest and mountain bike ride.

For more information visit the Laurieton Multisport Challenge Facebook page or contact Peter on 0418 825 569.