Park Information proudly Supplied by Auckland City Council Parks Dept.
Western Park is one of Auckland City's oldest parks. It's historical origins date back to the 1800's along with other distinguished parks such as The Auckland Domain and Albert Park.
The original park consisted of a coffin-shaped wedge which extended from Ponsonby Rd to Beresford St. At this time the Ponsonby Road frontage was only a very narrow strip of land (as per the plan below).
In 1873, the then
Council advertised a premium of ten guineas for the best design plan for
Western Park. No fewer than eleven plans of varying designs were forwarded.
The successful designers of the plan for Western Park were Messrs. Hammond
and Blackmore and the name of the plan was "Lily of the Valley." The plan
was elaborately finished - trees and shrubs were well laid out and more
importantly, costs involved were not excessive.
In 1874, the City Park Committee reported in summary: "that the sum of
L200 (pounds) had been expended:- design and plant, L5 5s; trees, L92
10s 3d; labour, L74 12s 3d; slates, L7 10s; labour to pay, L6 11s; Hammond
to pay, L5 5s. The committee have caused upwards of 1100 deciduous and
coniferous trees of the choicest kind to be planted in the park."
However, other parts of the plan including bridges, rocks and water features
were not actually constructed due to cost.
In 1875 the land was vested into the City Council.
The plan above shows the existing layout of the pathways, playground, fitness trail and public toilets. It also shows the location and extent of the mature trees in the park that today, reflect Messrs. Hammond and Blackmore original planting plan.
ART WORKS
The distinctive sculptures on the Ponsonby Road frontage created by sculptor John Radford, are a set of three works representing buildings that once stood in Auckland. More information about the sculptures is provided on-site at Western Park.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In 2000, Western Park started to get a $500,000 makeover. This is being done in two stages, first the entrances and gully area are being upgraded, secondly a viewing platform is proposed.
The main features of the park will remain, but it is intended that it will be more accessible and the upgrade will raise the profile of the park. Currently because of the steep decline on the Ponsonby Road side, Western Park only appears as a small area of open space and many people don't realise how large the park is, or even that it exists. There is a strong treeline planned for the road frontage to create more of an avenue feel and to separate the reserve more from the road. Other plantings are also planned - particularly natives.
The Western Bays Community Board held an open day last year and asked for public submissions. Consultant Boffa Miskell has been appointed to produce plans for the upgrade.
Upon visiting Western Park, take the time to see if you can notice any of the remnants from the past.
BOOKING DETAILS
To book this park for an non-sporting events please contact the Event Facilitation Team, Auckland City,
phone 379 2027.
Sports bookings for the field off Beresford Street can be made through the Bookings Officer, City Parks Services, phone 846-9063.
Charges may be applicable dependent upon the nature of the event proposed.