New orienteering course opens in Waimate
A new permanent orienteering course officially opens at Knottingley Park and Arboretum on Saturday, adding another free outdoor activity for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Led by The Rotary Club of Waimate, the project has been developed with support from Waimate District Council, local businesses, volunteers and specialist course designers from Christchurch.
Participants can choose from three courses ranging from beginner to hard, with the most challenging route covering 3.4km through the scenic park.
"There is certainly a course for everyone," says Rotarian Matt Simonsen.
The newly installed sign with instructions and a code to scan.
What is orienteering?
Orienteering is an outdoor adventure sport where participants use a map to find a series of checkpoints, known as controls, in a specific order.
Unlike a running race, there is no set track. Competitors choose their own route between checkpoints, testing both their navigation and decision-making skills.
Matt says the idea came after experiencing similar courses elsewhere in Canterbury and feeling Knottingley Park was the perfect location.
"After thoroughly enjoying a number of permanent orienteering courses around the region, having one at the park just made sense," he says.
"It’s a beautiful spot and the course gives people another reason to visit and experience what's right on our doorstep while getting out in the fresh air."
Community support for project
Matt describes the project as "a true authentic Waimate community project" that has come together through the support of individuals, clubs and businesses.
Matt and fellow Rotarian Sam Rooney worked with Rotary's Community Services Committee members to develop the idea. Waimate District Council quickly endorsed the project and has been involved throughout.
The course was mapped by Jacob Knoef and designed by Carsten Jørgensen from Plains and Peninsula Orienteering in Christchurch.
"We were fortunate to have experts involved who generously gave their time and knowledge to the project," Matt says.
Marker posts were donated by ITM and installed by Rotary volunteers during a community working bee.
Macrocarpa timber supplied by Waimate District Council was used by Waimate High School's wood technology department to build the sign structure.
Learning skills for life
Matt says one of the biggest benefits is the opportunity for people of all ages to learn navigation skills.
"Having a course in Waimate opens the door for primary and secondary school students to learn navigation skills they can use in multisport events, tramping and other outdoor activities," he says.
Getting started is simple.
"All you need is a phone. Scan the QR code on the sign a the park, choose the course that suits you, and you're off running."
The orienteering course is beside the 18 hole disc golf course in the park.
To learn more head to the Explore Waimate website.