Perhaps Western Park holds Auckland’s oldest secrets as a municipal park. Unlike the Auckland Domain, which the central government created, Western Park emerged from the city’s own vision.
Let’s step into the story of Western Park. It is a unique green space nestled in Freemans Bay. This mid-sized park sits in gullies that once led to the sea. Today, land reclamation has moved the coastline kilometers away.
Before European settlement, the local Māori called the stream here Tuna-Mau. It meant “the trapping of eels.” This stream flowed through what is now Western Park. It eventually emptied into Freeman Bay, now Victoria Park.
In 1873, the city council sought designs for a new park. They offered a prize of ten guineas for the winning entry. Hammond and Blackmore’s “Lily of the Valley” design won. Western Park was completed in 1874 for £200. The City Parks Committee planted over 1100 trees. They were deciduous and coniferous.
The park’s design followed the natural landscape. Paths wound down from Ponsonby Road to a flat area. The high point had views of the Waitematā Harbour. The lower area was for activities. Western Park became an arboretum with many trees. Prominent citizens like Sir George Grey donated specimen trees. The city council took over the park in 1875. The official opening was on November 17, 1879.
Auckland Girls’ Grammar School borders the east side of Western Park. Private homes line the west side. Mature trees mostly hide them. Expansions in the 1970s added land to Western Park. This included demolishing shops and a house. Asphalt tennis courts replaced part of a road. In the 1980s, another land addition created a harbor viewing platform.
Large trees now block the old harbor views from Ponsonby Road. Around 1910, a band rotunda stood near the Ponsonby Road entrance. It was later demolished.
Recent improvements honor the original design of Western Park. A pre-World War One brick toilet block remains. A modern steel unit replaced its function. Sculptures by John Radford mark the flat area by Ponsonby Road. These artworks represent old Auckland buildings. They are artistically sunk into the ground like ruins. Park furniture by Matthew von Sturmer adds to the park’s appeal.
Original plantings featured mostly exotic species at Western Park. These included Agathis robusta and stone pine. You could also find Cinnamomum camphora and Quercus robur.
Today, Western Park offers walkways and a playground. A small performance space blends into the scenery. The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. It stands as a testament to Auckland’s history and natural beauty. Pass by the sculpture works by John Radford. Stroll through Western Park on the wide, sealed path. Western Park is one of the oldest parks in Auckland. Beautiful established pūriri, tanekaha, karaka, rimu, pōhutukawa are found here. Western Park is a vibrant place for everyone.