​​​​​​​Wainoni Park has undergone significant upgrades over recent years, prompted by major residential growth in the area and a demand for more local recreational opportunities.

The redevelopment works were driven by the parks team, who worked with surrounding landowners, community groups and sporting groups to create a unified vision for the park. The local community was engaged in forming the development plan. Students from the local primary school were invited to contribute what they wanted in the playground to make it ’theirs’. Two equestrian clubs, the ratepayers association and the local sports clubs were also engaged.

The design process was conducted by council landscape architects with support from external designers. The project components were staged over several years to minimise the impact on existing users of the park.

Improvements included upgrading existing facilities, creating new access points, new walkways, a boardwalk and bridges, a new entrance, a car park, landscaping, sports field upgrades and the installation of floodlights. Re-vegetation of the main ephemeral streams was also delivered. Concerns regarding the quality and availability of sports fields were addressed by upgrading the sports field infrastructure.

A play space was developed that celebrated the history of Greenhithe, incorporating pre-settlement and colonial themes. The success of the bespoke playground generated the need for greater support facilities, including seating and shade, which were added in response.

The Greenhithe Pony Club and Greenhithe Riding for the Disabled are located at the northern and southern ends of the park and lease the land from Auckland Council. The two groups often share resources, providing mutual benefits. Both organisations have had substantial input into the improvements, and a positive influence on the park.

The community clearly appreciated the result, with the reserve delivering significantly wider community attributes than sport alone.

External links

• Restoring Our Biodiversity​​​​