Ōrākei Local Board has funded new wayfinding signs for St Johns Park. The park has a network of pathways connecting neighbouring streets in the suburb. However until now, there has been no signage indicating where the pathways lead to.
Ōrākei Local Board Deputy Chair Carmel Claridge, who spearheaded the project, says the new signage makes it that much easier for people to navigate their way around the neighbourhood, whether on foot or by bike or scooter.
“Our board works closely with our communities to ensure we deliver transport related projects that meet their needs and aspirations.
"The St Johns Pathways project was kicked off after discussions between myself and Meadowbank St Johns Residents’ Association members on what could be done to encourage walking and cycling and reduce the number of car journeys on our local roads.
“Although the St Johns Park development was well ahead of its time in providing a good network of walkways accessing public transport routes, pocket parks, and the Meadowbank Shopping Centre there was no existing signage to encourage the use of these facilities.
“This initiative addresses that gap and also adds to place making amenity.
"It has been pleasing that Auckland Transport has responded to local concerns and worked with the board to deliver this project in a timely manner,” says Deputy Claridge.
Meadowbank and St Johns Residents Association committee member Anna Jackson says the new signs have been making it much easier for residents on foot, bike or scooter to navigate their way around the suburb and reach public transport faster.
“Thanks to the help of Carmel and Ōrākei Local Board, the new signs are really encouraging people to make use of these wonderful connecting pathways in our neighbourhood.
“The next step is wayfinding signs for the pathways in Meadowbank north of St Johns Road, linking to the shared path being built through Pourewa Valley,” says Mrs. Jackson.
The board also hopes to see the St Johns Park pathways better maintained and improvements made to lighting to increase user safety.
