Residents in Papatoetoe are encouraged to have their say on the renewal of the skate bowl and playground at Waenganui/Allenby Park.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia is thrilled to see ongoing improvements to play spaces take place in the area.
“The enhancements made to our playgrounds and recreational spaces are not nice to haves; they are necessary for our expanding community, and they deserve this”, says Apulu.
Waenganui is the Māori name for Allenby Park, gifted by local iwi Ngāti Tamaoho and means ‘grounds where toetoe grows’ a proverb that goes ‘…he toetoe hei tīpare ki waenganui translated as ‘and a headdress of toetoe in the middle’.
Apulu shares, “True to its name, the park is in the middle of a prime location in Papatoetoe - it is near various schools including Papatoetoe High and Papatoetoe Central and a few childcare education centre’s a stone’s throws away. It also offers easy access to Manukau, and all the attractions and activities there, so, there is a lot of foot traffic in and around it.”
The board is successfully implementing a series of upgrades to the parks and playgrounds in the area, a key focus as part of their local board plan.
“Up until now, this board has played a crucial role in creating exceptional recreational areas within our community. Notable examples include Hayman Park/Manu-kau Noa Iho, Hillside South/Pā o Tahi, Othello, and Ngāti Ōtara Park playgrounds - Waenganui/Allenby Park playground is on track to be added to this list shortly, along with Aorere Park and Pearl Baker park”, adds Apulu.
The aim of the upgrade is to provide key play experiences in a more desirable landscape setting.
“It is our priority to create plenty of opportunities for the locals of Papatoetoe to take part and tell us know what they want for Waenganui/Allenby Park playground – what elements do our locals want to see added? Should we put in more musical pieces or renew water play? What type of inclusive elements should the playground have? The design can only be improved and informed if our locals step forward and share their thoughts”, says Apulu.
As part of the board’s plan to provide a range of play and active recreation opportunities for children and young people in local parks, the proposed elements for children to explore and make up their own games, include:
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swinging
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sliding
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balancing
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climbing
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jumping
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skating
Waenganui/Allenby Park playground currently has a volleyball court, toilets, car park, barbecue, picnic tables and seating.
Locals have until 20 April 2024 to have their say.
Have your say
To take part visit the website here or print a feedback form and hand it in to Manukau Library at 3 Osterley Way Manukau or to the local board office at Level 1, Manukau Civic Building, 31 Manukau Station Road, Manukau; or by post to: Waenganui / Allenby Park skate bowl and playground renewal, Auckland Council Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West Auckland, 1142.
Project Timeline:
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2 April - 20 April 2024 – Consultation is open for feedback.
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21 April - 30 April 2024 – Consultation closes, the project team will review your feedback.
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1 May 2024 - 30 June 2024 - The project team will use your feedback to inform the detailed design and in July 2024 present the final design to stakeholders including the local board.
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Early 2025 – Preparations for construction commence.
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