North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Largest park in subdivision links to regional park
The developer of a large, 160 hectare (400 acre), subdivision is creating a scenic park, linking the seaside community with a coastal regional park.
Todd Property is developing a section at Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore and has begun the creation of a 1ha local park. The park is the fourth and largest of 12 parks planned for the subdivision.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board chairwoman Julia Parfitt said the park is a result of an agreement with Todd Property that Todd would create all the parks in the community.
‘‘There was a need, or demand, for a park that delivered things people felt we hadn’t in the earlier stages,’’ Parfitt said.
She said one special aspect of the park was that it provided a connection to the Heritage Park, which will one day become an extension to the Long Bay Regional Park.
The newly developed park would be the largest of four new access corridors to be opened up between the Long Bay development and the park.
Todd Property’s general manager of land development, Stephen Martin, said this was the most special of the 12 parks because of its position.
‘‘It’s right up on a ridge and it does join the regional park,’’ Martin said.
‘‘This is where people want to be. It’s an elevated high point that allows you to get a sense of space.’’
Plans for the park include a viewing platform, to look out over the Hauraki Gulf, and three playgrounds for different age groups.
The park will also feature planting, picnic tables and more than 300 metres of new walkways.
‘‘This is a significant largescale park development, one which is going to provide great connectivity between the community and the regional park. It’s
‘‘It gives us some comfort that we're going to have parks for local use’’
Julia Parfitt
the largest and most important new park to be built at Long Bay,’’ Martin said.
The development of the park will cost $1.4 million and the aim is for it to be complete by October. It is being created using developer contributions.
‘‘The wonderful thing about a development agreement is we can ensure money from developer contributions is spent here,’’ Parfitt said. ‘‘It gives us some comfort that we’re going to have parks for local use.’’