A forgotten plaque. That’s how it began. The Dawn Persson Boardwalk. A simple wooden path. It stretches across the Whau River. Named for a woman. A community stalwart. Dawn Persson served Avondale for ten years. She was on the Community Board. She held many other community positions. She died in October 1999. Just two months after the boardwalk was named in her honor.
The Dawn Persson Boardwalk is at the end of Ash Street. It’s next to the Ash-Rata bridge. Sadly the main interpretive sign is gone. Vandals and graffiti destroyed it. Only here. At the end of the boardwalk. Can you see the name? A small tribute to a dedicated woman. A testament to her dedication.
Ducks swim in the Whau River. Hawks circle overhead. Pigeons too. Plenty of hawk food I’d say. The river water isn’t clean. Pollution remains. An old rubbish tip is to blame. Rusty oily water near the plaque. A City Council sign lies in the mud. Mangroves conceal it. Graffiti covers it.
The Dawn Persson Boardwalk is part of a longer walk. The Avondale Whau River Walk. It’s about six kilometers. It takes around fifty minutes. It’s mostly flat. Just one gentle rise. Suitable for prams and buggies. It’s a dog-friendly walk. There’s an off-leash exercise area. You can enjoy water birds. Mangroves line the river. Enjoy views of the river. The Whau River flows towards the Waitemata Harbour. Underneath the Ash-Rata bridge. The other side looks upriver. To the older Great North Road bridge.
The Dawn Persson Boardwalk is more than just a walkway. It’s a legacy. A tribute to Dawn Persson. Her tireless work for Avondale. A reminder of the impact one person can make. Her dedication. Her commitment to the community. It’s a quiet place. A place of reflection. A simple wooden path. With a poignant story. A story waiting to be discovered. The Dawn Persson Boardwalk.