Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services.
Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to live.
Check out some of these improvements supported by Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and make the most of what’s on offer in your community.
1. Ōrewa Library - 12 Moana Avenue, Ōrewa
Ōrewa Library has had a full makeover, and is now a bright, welcoming community hub.
The ground floor is more spacious and inviting, with clear sightlines, low shelving, and a comfortable spot just to relax or browse. A bigger kids’ area means more room for programmes and story times.
The brand-new mezzanine floor has flexible spaces made for study sessions, programmes, meetings, or anything else the community needs and is connected by a lift. The upgrade has been designed with sustainability in mind. Expect natural wood tones, coastal-style colours, double glazing, and solar-powered energy upgrades.
Reopened in May 2025 there’s also a beautiful Māori design, Te Kete Mātauranga, at the entrance created by local iwi artist Hokimai Rosieur.
2. Harvest Avenue Playground - 86 Harvest Avenue, Ōrewa
86 Harvest Avenue, Ōrewa
This brand-new playground has been beautifully designed with help from the local community and offers something for every age and ability.
Packed with fun and accessible features for kids up to 13 years old, there's a wheelchair-friendly trampoline, a seesaw, a net spinner, climbing structures, slides, and even a treehouse-style fort.
There’s also a nature play trail, talk tubes, musical features, picnic tables, and fruit trees.
Whatever you are looking for, the kids will find plenty to climb, swing, spin and slide at this epic new space.
3. Edith Hopper Park - 33 Ladies Mile, Manly
Edith Hopper Park
The Edith Hopper playground has had a full refresh. It now includes a big cabin tower with slides, a rope climber, swings, a trampoline, and a wheelchair-accessible carousel.
The upgrade also added safer surfacing, a picnic table, seating, and new planting. It’s designed to suit all ages, based on input from local schools and families and the new drainage means it’s good to go in all seasons.
4. Cranston Reserve - 18 Cranston Street, Torbay
Cranston Reserve.
This upgraded playground is all about nature play and making the space easy to use year-round. It now features climbing and sliding equipment, a balance trail, basket swing, and springer.
There’s also a raised edge to help with drainage, a seating wall for caregivers, and easier access with ramps and soft surfacing.
5. Red Beach Park - 90 Bay Street, Red Beach
The nature play trail at Red Beach Park encourages kids to explore and get creative. There are balance beams, climbing logs, and earth mounds to run over and all made from natural materials that fit into the coastal surroundings.
It’s part of a wider push from the local board to make active, outdoor play a bigger part of everyday life for local families.
6. Churchill Reserve - 101A Churchill Road, Murrays Bay
This refreshed walkway is part of ongoing upgrades to greenways in the area. It now features a sealed path, clear signage, and new native planting to make walking safer and more enjoyable.
The walkway connects local streets and parks, making it easier for people to get around on foot while also enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Why these spaces matter
These new and upgraded spots show how local investment makes a real difference. Whether it's through fun play areas, safer walking tracks, or welcoming places like the new library, the local board is helping communities stay active, connected, and supported at every age.
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