Located in Mangere East in a youthful demographic area, these two parks of similar scale and era (built in 1970s), were in need of material and structural improvements to better serve the community. Reset was engaged by Auckland Council to review, design, and carry out community consultation of these two large parks requiring a substantial redesign and upgrade to improve the recreation offer and general amenity to the community.
Mangere City Centre Park is 21.14 ha and included community facilities such as a Marae, community gardens, sports fields, play area, and a Council Depot. Through community engagement, the key feedback was a request for more family and play spaces, more parking, improvement to circulation options and improvement of security and maintenance. The proposal included improved circulation and path networks, a new athletics track, upgraded sports fields configuration, new playground and guest parking. This project included engaging and consulting with mana whenua, the general public, the Local Board, and multiple sports groups and clubs to gain feedback and input, including a drop-in session.
Walter Massey Park is 16.3ha and is located 2km from Mangere Centre Park and sits adjacent to Mangere Village and key community facilities. While several sports facilities existed, community feedback requested the development of a community centre that could serve multiple needs as well as greater access for the public, improved safety, upgrading of worn facilities, shelters, BBQ’s and more seating. The proposal included introducing a network of paths, park furniture, outdoor fitness equipment, improved lighting and signage and review of safety and security using CPTED principles.
Both projects involved a historical review and transition from a narrow range of recreational offering to an expanded use of the public open spaces. The added challenge was to reach out and involve the broader, often dis-engaged, public and this was successfully achieved through accessible communication and graphics and a host of engagement opportunities including media involvement. With additional passive and active activities and better access and circulation, these parks have grown to become the heart of the suburb they serve.
Services Landscape Architecture, Urban Design
