New lookout offers stunning views
LIVE LOCAL, LOVE LOCAL WITH AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Anew public lookout site has been created at the highest point in Churchill Park, Glendowie. The site offers stunning 360-degree visa across the city, Tenaupata/musick Point and towards Motukorea/ Browns Island.
At 320 Riddell Road, Glendowie, there used to be an asphalt pad and other remnants of a golf club building.
That prompted rākei Local Board to get together with residents and other local stakeholders to design an alternative use for the land, focusing on passive recreation and the views.
Today, the hilltop location is transformed into a lookout area complete with seating, pathways, planting, and signage which celebrate the beauty and history of the area.
‘‘This location has long been recognised for its striking views, but due to the condition of the path and grounds it was only really being enjoyed by a small number of locals in the know,’’ explains Scott Milne, chairperson of rākei Local Board, which funded the project.
‘‘Rather than let the area fall further into disrepair, we sought input from the local community and mana whenua and incorporated their feedback into a concept design.
‘‘The outcome is a great new space to relax and enjoy for everyone.’’
Troy Elliott, the parks portfolio lead and deputy chairperson of the local board, says the work has safeguarded the area for future generations.
‘‘The pathways are wide and flat enough for bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, and the road and parking have been improved to match, which will bring more visitors to the area.’’
There are six stencils incorporated into the paving around the seatingwhich direct visitors toward the main lookout views: Rangitoto Island, Motukorea/browns Island, Te Naupata/musick Point, Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve and Halfmoon Bay, Maungarei/ Mount Wellington and towards the city centre.
Throughout the planting season this month, work will continue around the seating area and driveway to complete the project.
The lookout at the top of Churchill Park is open to the public and is best accessed via a narrow road entrance between 316 and 322 Riddell Rd, or across from themain Churchill Park car park.
This article was commissioned ¯ O in response to a commercial partnership. Wehave produced it independently, to the same standards applied to the rest of our journalism.