Festive feels are back for a fourth time.

Alexandra’s free Christmas Trail opens in a new Jolendale Park location on Saturday December 7.

The 1.3km trail begins from the carpark at the corner of Aronui and Schaumann Rd in Bridge Hill.

It’s the work of Christine Ridd and her husband Nevelle (Nev) who used to decorate and light up their own house after accumulating Christmas decor from the toy and retail shop they owned. 

Christine said the trail was the result of three and a half months of work.

“There are cut outs, core flute characters, and 90 painted rocks to add to what we already had… there’s always something new. 

“We’ve tried to keep it as adventurous as possible. Adventure makes the fun.”

Nev erecting the Baby Sharks in Jolendale Park. PHOTO: Supplied

Christine said the work was continuing as putting out the rocks was a huge job, but most of the cutouts had been fixed to trees in time for the December 7 opening.

“It’s a bit like a full time job, without any pay.

“Payment is seeing the joy on the children’s faces.”

Once the trail was open she would be working on things continuously including painting more rocks.

“It’s hours and hours of work, I’m slow to paint, but I’ve always got something on the go.”

Cartoon characters such as the Once-Ler and the Lorax feature on the trail. PHOTO: The Central App

Christine said with long daylight hours at this time of year littlies struggled to stay up to see Christmas lights after dark, so the trail was a special Christmas activity that worked in with bedtime routines. 

“All we ask is that people respect the park, respect other people and be aware it could be busy . . . we hope you have fun [exploring].”

The Ridds thanked Jolendale Park Charitable Trust trustee Paddy Ford who was supportive of establishing the trail.

A map of the Jolendale Christmas Trail.

Christine said Paddy was “over the moon” about it and encouraging of families moving around and enjoying the park.

Jolendale Park is six hectares of semi-natural parkland on top of Alexandra’s Bridge Hill and is permanently protected by the QEII National Trust for Open Space (2004).

It was New Zealand’s first covenanted semi-arid exotic woodland reserve. 

Planting began in 1960 by the Manning Family, (Jolyon and Enny) and the park includes cave shelters, the Aronui water reservoir, and a unique collection of trees, shrubs and plants.  

Sturdy footwear, a hat and water bottle are recommended, and you need a reasonable level of walking fitness as the trail is narrow in parts, there are tree roots and rocks underfoot. 

As well as exploring the trail, residents needing a festive fix can enter Light Up Central by decorating their houses or businesses.

For more information see the Let’s Light Up Central button

Read more: Sustainable Christmas tips for families

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