The Whau is the place to be this summer following the opening of the new Archibald Park Playground and the return of the popular Avondale pump track.
Archibald park playground, which officially opened at the end of October, has a 25 metre Flying fox, a bespoke fenced toddler area, a maimai-themed climbing tower from which kids can spot birds and slide that reflects the importance of the Whau River to this community both currently and historically.
It also has a bike track and connections to the Te Whau pathway with tables and seating areas to provide a space that the whole family can enjoy.
“There’s nothing like this anywhere near Kelston”, says Kay Thomas, chair of Whau Local Board which funded the playground.
“We knew there was a real gap in provision of a playground of this quality in the area and we have been absolutely delighted to have opened this to cater for the needs of the area.”
Pump track
Meanwhile, make the most of the Pop-up Pump track, which has been reinstalled at the old 3 Guys site next to Avondale Central reserve following a successful period in 2019.
It’s free for all ages, so bring your bike or scooter and have a go before it moves to the next neighbourhood on 18 January.
“The pump track was really popular last year, and we fully expect it to be really popular once again,” says Kay.
“It’s the kind of thing that helps to bring the area alive and we are delighted that people have been able to use it again.”
Te Whau pathway
Meanwhile, work has begun on a key section of the Te Whau Pathway, which received $35million in Government funding as one of the council’s shovel ready projects.
The section of the pathway, that will run from Rizal Reserve in Avondale to Tamora Lane was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Once finished, the pathway will provide a walking and cycling connection along the Whau river from New Lynn to Te Atatu.
“The Te Whau Pathway will be transformative when it is complete, and it is so exciting to see work really starting to get moving on this project,” says Kay.
“It will be a dream come true for many people who have put really hard work into making it happen and the board is absolutely delighted progress is underway.”
The work on this section of the path is scheduled to complete in March 2021.
