JUST in time for this weekend's whitewater classic, a group of Northam youngsters have completed a project to open up spectacular river views to the race-going public.
Forty senior high school students using recycled materials have built bridges and footpaths in Enright Park to provide pedestrian access to stunning river views near the confluence of the Avon and Mortlock rivers downstream from Northam Weir.
The weir is a popular viewing spot each year for the start of the internationally renowned Avon Descent.
The new vantage point offers the best race views between Peel Terrace Bridge and Katrine, 14 kilometres downstream.
The students' work over the past 12 months links to existing public walking tracks on both sides of Northam Town Pool and beyond.
The student volunteers were co-ordinated by Avon Valley Environmental Society, which is responsible for walking tracks around Northam.
The project was assisted by a Lotterywest grant.
The work included a major concrete crossing over the Morlock River downstream from Taylor Street Bridge, and a new pathway through wetlands which required two water crossings to reach the viewing platform.
Recycled materials included concrete railway sleepers.
The youngsters' efforts have been recognised with imprints in their concrete work identifying personalities and the Avon Valley Environmental Society.
The new concrete bridge is on the site of an ancient river crossing, providing an easier, shorter link on the Doortj Koorliny Track - an 18km network of walking trails linking Burlong Pool west of Northam with the Avon River Bridge on Great Eastern Highway Bypass.
Enright Park is an important Aboriginal meeting place, and a popular recreational area on the Doorntj Koorliny Track.