The popular swing at the Mosquito Point swimming hole on the Whanganui River is back in action after a two year absence.
Whanganui Mayor Hamish takes a ceremonial swing over the river. Photo: Supplied
Used to make splash landings in the river, the swing has been closed since July 2016 when rot was discovered in its pole.
After public calls for it to be reinstated, the council voted earlier this year to reinstall it, as long as safety warnings were displayed on site.
Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDoual took a ceremonial swing out over the river today at a celebration marking its reopening.
"The community has been very keen to see the swing back at Mosquito Point as it's been a public facility for decades. It's great that it's installed in time for summer," he said.
Mayor McDouall reminded people to be safe when using the swing.
"While enjoying Mosquito Point, please check for debris on the awa, such as logs, and monitor swimming conditions, particularly after heavy rain. It's also important to look out for other users to make sure everyone is safe and can enjoy this great swimming spot together."
In 2015 Mosquito Point was named one of the country's top 10 swimming holes by the AA's Directions magazine and is popular place for picnicking and swimming.
A year later it won a "spruce up" award when the public voted it the most popular swimming location in a Horizons Regional Council competition.
The spruce up included new structures - steps, seating, and a changing room - and vegetation clearing and new planting. Since then the Whanganui District Council provided new picnic tables and upgraded the road leading to the site.