The iconic Potters Park is popular with all Aucklanders for good reason. It’s conveniently located for one, but there’s more to it than that.
Investment by Albert-Eden Local Board in thoughtful planning, renewing structures and committing new funding has made it a sought-after place for year-round recreation.
Local Board Chair, Margi Watson says, “Potters Park is one of Auckland’s best parks for play and we’ve spent the last six years funding the significant upgrade to make it the best park around.
"Whether it’s basketball, splashing or biking, it is a park for people and very much for our tamariki and rangatahi.”
Here are the top eight reasons that keep people coming back to Potter’s Park:
Great for kids
A new playground including a junior play area keeps kids safely engaged. The park is well connected with flat or gradually sloping paths. Most are accessible and suitable for prams and recreational cycling.
Perfect for walking
A new connecting path has created a full loop around the park with existing paths for walkers.
The shared path winds around the park, past the playground and splash pad, and the small children's learn-to-ride cycle track.
Visit the Akl Paths website for more information on walking paths in the area.
Future cyclists are made here
A learn-to-ride track is much loved by younger kids. It's perfect for 3-8-year-olds just learning to balance without training wheels.
A home for activities
A wide range of free activities is a big draw for people to flock to the park. Albert-Eden Local Board supports the Out & About programme, making the most of the park for kids and families, while much-loved events like Carols at Potters Park draw crowds every year.
A great place for point scoring
There are basketball half courts and kick-a-ball space near the playground area. The local board has consistently worked to improve sport fields capacity in the area and this investment is paying off for locals and visitors.
A place for art
Potters Park is home to Boy Walking, a 5.6-metre-high hyper-realist sculpture designed by internationally renowned New Zealand-born artist Ronnie van Hout.
The artwork depicts a larger-than-life child strolling with purpose. Towering above the streetscape of Dominion Road, the figure walks confidently with a determined stride, head up, focus and an assured smile.
Boy Walking is easy to spot, towering above the streetscape of Dominion Road and illuminated at night.
Offers a history lesson
The land for Potters Park was donated by Frederick S Potter, a well-known Auckland philanthropist. He wanted the open space to be enjoyed by all, especially children.
During World War Two, covered trenches for use as air-raid shelters were dug at Potters Park. As part of the war effort, the council also turned the park into gardens, growing beans, beetroot, lettuce and potatoes.
Learn about the history of the area when you visit thanks to new interpretive signs telling the story of the park.
A summer cooling-off spot
Always a hit with kids, the park's splashpad is turned on in the summer, while new barbecues make the area a perfect summer trip with friends.
The splashpad operates daily from the first week in September to the first week in May, and you can find a full list of facilities at the park on the council website.
