Centennial Drive Reserve

This scenic drive is 3.7638 hectares, divided into three sections by roads.  The drive starts at the southern end of Matamata on Tainui Street, crosses Rata and Tamihana Streets, before finishing on Broadway.  It is bounded along its length by Bedford Park and residential properties. The reserve consists of a flat grassed area with a water feature to mark the entrance of the Drive, numerous park benches and picnic tables throughout, gardens that line both sides of the drive, car parking areas, and a Native and Magnolia Garden respectively. It makes a lovely short walk, or a brief scenic drive. The collection of mature trees include Gingkobiloba, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Q. palustris, Acer palmatum, Cedrus atlantica, C.deodara, and Liquidamber spp. Centennial Drive is identified as a Reserve under the Operative District Plan in the Residential Zone. History A plantation reserve was included in the first history of the town in 1904.  In 1939 and 1940, trees were planted to mark the centenary of New Zealand, and the area was named Centennial Drive, but was neglected through World War II. In 1956 the Centennial Drive Development Society was formed to develop the area into a park with assistance of local voluntary groups.  The Drive was then transformed into an extensive collection of trees, many of them labelled.  In 1964 the Tainui St entrance was marked by the placing of a 13 tonne rock and surrounding pool – a memorial to the Maori, missionaries and early settlers of the Matamata district. During 1993 part of the Drive was established as a Magnolia Grove in the memory of Viola Bell, who was the first President of the Society for a period of twenty-seven years and a major contributor to the Matamata community. Regular planting and minor maintenance is undertaken by the Society, with Matamata-Piako District Council undertaking grass cutting, litter control, and major tree work. Scouts The Matamata Scouts Den is located on the drive.  Scout...