Panmure Basin Walking track

Homelia from Mount Wellington

Hi All
My intention of writing this message is to create awareness among people who enjoy a walk around Panmure Basin. I am a local who lives very close to Panmure Basin. This is the only place that I have a quick and easy access to enjoy a long walk during these challenging times when your freedom is restricted and your life is boxed. There is nothing much people could do for their soul, mind and body during a level 4 lockdown, perhaps a long walk would be spiritually uplifting. Unfortunately, I have come across a lot of unpleasantness while I am on this walk. People are either ignorant/oblivious of their actions or they do not care. In other words, they are aware of the consequences of their actions but they do not care. The walkways are approximately less than 2 metres; therefore, you cannot maintain the 2 metre social distancing rules during level 4 lockdown. However, we can be kind to one another by stepping aside and giving way to someone who is heading towards you. Sometimes, I see couples and families walking in a row of 3 and 4 blocking the entire walkway. I am really happy to see couples holding hands and families walking together hands locked, I see positivity there :). Nevertheless, one has to remember this a public space, so it is a shared space. Therefore, one has to respect the people around you. You could give way to people by stepping behind the one in front of you. I see that a lot of people wear a face mask (I do), while walking or running around the basin. However, some people do not wear a face mask, they do not maintain the 2 metre social distancing which is unacceptable. Remember, Just be kind and respectful during these unpredictable times!. Most of us are working from home and are under a lot of pressure, and are leading a sedentary life style with limited options to boost our mental well-being. One of the best options we have is to go out for a long walk. Please do not deprive others of that opportunity!
Thanks for reading :)