Parks and reserves are some of Aucklanders' favourite places

From City Scene, published on 18 November, 2007

Mayor, Hon. John Banks and children celebrate the reopening of Parnell's Heard Park after landscaping and planting improvements.

Peaceful haven - Mayor, Hon. John Banks (top) and children celebrate the reopening of Parnell's Heard Park after landscaping and planting improvements.

Auckland City Council works hard to maintain and upgrade the city's 800 parks, reserves and open spaces to provide recreation areas for Aucklanders to enjoy now and in the future.

To meet our city's growing needs, the council regularly upgrades open spaces - including Parnell's new and improved Heard Park, officially reopened by Mayor, Hon. John Banks last week.

"The upgrade of this 'pocket park' provides a peaceful haven on Parnell Road that reflects the suburb's character and provides a place for people to rest and relax," says Mr Banks.

Improvements to the park include cobblestone paving, extensive landscaping and planting, a playground swing, new street furniture and improved access to Ruskin Street. The council consulted with the local community to develop a concept plan for Heard Park before starting work.

A similar process has just been completed in Glen Innes, where the council is revitalising Talbot Park.

A land exchange between the council and Housing New Zealand Corporation has provided space for two new parks. The larger Talbot Park will include skate facilities, a playground and a performance space, while Kotuku Park nearby will feature a large pavilion for sheltered exercise, a children's cycleway and play equipment.

On the other side of our city, the council is looking to balance community needs for both informal recreation and organised sport at Mt Roskill's Keith Hay Park. "We want to strengthen the park's primary role as a sports park, but also develop it as a place for the community to come together to enjoy the outdoors," says the council's capital works manager, Maryanne Miller. The upgrade includes a new cycleway and walkway, landscaping and planting of native trees, a new pedestrian bridge and more car parking.

Early next year, the council will also start work on revitalising the new and currently unnamed reserve in Owairaka Avenue. Facilities for locals to enjoy will include a grass recreation area, hard court space, pathways and car parking.

Walkways to enjoy our city

Auckland City Council manages and maintains many kilometres of walkways through the city's unique natural landscapes.

Work is currently underway to construct a boardwalk along the St Heliers Bay foreshore, from Cliff Road to the new western headland, with the project due to be completed by Christmas, weather permitting.

The council is also improving the boardwalk through the Tahuna Torea Reserve, near the Tamaki Estuary. This will make walking through the 25ha reserve easier and safer for the many people who visit the area to enjoy the environment and its wildlife.

Construction of a walkway and cycleway through Wesley's Walmsley and Underwood reserves is also under way.

The council's capital works manager, Maryanne Miller, says the new route will open up access to green spaces around Oakley Creek. The council also plans to restore the network of walking tracks in the Auckland Domain over the summer period. Work will involve upgrading the tracks and stairs, along with drainage improvements.