outdoors – Talking Southern Auckland

A Hidden Gem in Papakura

We (Rebekka and I) had discovered a hidden gem right here in Papakura while going about our daily walks. Tucked away behind a sports field near the SAS base is a little slice of (green (well brown because it is so damn dry)) paradise of open fields, trees and even a pond (well storm water facility). The park while tucked away is actually quite heavily utilised by local residents as they too go about their walks and/or give their dogs exercise. Here are some pictures of this hidden gem from when we went on our walk yesterday:

Entrance to the sports ground as well as the park

Looking south towards Papakura Town Centre and the storm water pond

Looking over marsh land towards to the north end of the Park. The SAS base can also be seen

Looking South West back to sports fields main carpark which Council recently upgraded

Looking towards club house and sports fields

Looking northwest towards new Social Housing development (in distance)

Looking over storm water pond to North Western flank of the park. New Social Housing development to occur behind that flank

The park is a nice place and will be extra valuable as that new social housing development (as well as any other Green or Brownfield developments near by) takes hold and the families need somewhere to “relax” or “exercise” – seeming their tiny land sections won’t allow them.

I quite enjoy this hidden gem although it does need a spruce up from our Local Board.

Maybe a few benches, rubbish bins, a playground, and some trails wouldn’t go a miss to turn this gem into a shining gem for our local community?

So what hidden gems do you have in your community?

Getting Ready For Summer on The Home Front

One of my hobbies is a spot of gardening. Currently Rebekka and I are preparing our first home for our first summer in our new home (purchased January this year) as well as the many more years building memories that we shall have in our own little place down in Papakura.

Being the green-thumb that I am and Rebekka being the DIY-er she is this is what has progressed so far with the landscaping on our property:

Enjoy the pictures