Riverland motoring into the future

CANINE CHAMP: Rocky the labrador with owners Caryn and Michael Wilson ready to welcome visitors to Riverland.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Riverland Family Park is looking spruce after long months of uncertainty and many hours spent repairing flood damage.

Owners Michael and Caryn Wilson will be celebrating with a special fundraising event on Monday to mark the anniversary of the flood.

"We will be donating all the proceeds from the day to the Wanganui Lions Club disaster relief fund," said Mr Wilson. He initiated the fund last year and said it is there to help anyone affected by disaster.

"It could be an event like a fire that affects one household or a natural disaster like a flood that affects a lot of people."

The Wilsons have filled in the area where the bumper boats were and when the land settles, the area will be sealed for a kiddie car track.

There are new mini electric cars for the under-7s and for older children there are cars from the former Hamilton Daytona Park.

"We still have the original go-karts as well because parents have fond memories of riding in them and they are still in good condition."

The Wilsons' dog "Rocky the Riverland mascot" has become another attraction at the park, making friends with visitors and passers-by.

"He will go off for walks with people who are going by with their dogs," said Mrs Wilson.

"People are happy for him to tag along and they drop him off on their way back."

The park has been open for shorter hours during winter but Mr Wilson said they will extend the hours on Monday.

The park will be open from 10am until 5pm and Mr Wilson said people who can't get there can still contribute to the relief fund and he thinks it will be great if local businesses and support it as well.

Anyone wishing to support the fund can contact Mr Wilson at riverlandfamilypark@gmail.com.