[Avon Park is on the east side of Snell Place Footbridge. This side of the river also takes you to the heritage boards Kerrs Reach Flatware Clubs and Bickerton’s Wainoni.]
It’s official. Play is not just allowed; it’s absolutely encouraged!
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a designated Place of Play (Pae Tākaro), and is going all out to promote fun, recreation and enjoyment of public spaces.
So here at Avon Park, southeast of Snell Place Footbridge, you have permission to enjoy all sorts of activities! Christchurch City Council is developing nature-play areas, an informal pump track so you can show off your wheelie skills (bike, scooter or skateboard), a full-sized basketball court, and a grassed area for ball games. Epic!
Whītau Primary School (formerly Linwood North School) have been very proactive at the site and involved in the design process for the new park. A ‘kaitiaki space’ enables the school to develop a food forest and other communal facilities.
Areas of regenerating bush are continuing to sprout: planted by the school, council and others to improve the local ecology. Over time we can watch as the landscape morphs and changes, like a native gecko shedding its skin as it matures. Who knows, maybe geckoes and more local species will move here in future?
What favourite outdoor games will you play here today? Which friends, whanau or playmates are you with?
Hungry? If you’ve already munched on a snack, remember to recycle or dispose of your rubbish responsibly! That way, every human and feathery creature like me (Huanui, your ‘fan-trail’ mascot) can enjoy the park.
Whatever your age, keep enjoying the fun of play. Next time, you might want to bring along a picnic and (more of) your favourite whānau.
Links
More info
Avon Park (landmark) [URL]