MAP / COMMUNITY SPACES / BROOKER AVENUE
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[Turn right on to New Brighton Road after crossing Avondale Footbridge.]
We’re at Brooker Avenue, a former residential street off New Brighton Road.
Did you know the road was named after Stephen and Rebecca Brooker? Stephen (1819-1899) is credited with naming New Brighton, along with his friend William Free. You can find out more about that story from the Heritage Trail information panel [URL] further eastwards along New Brighton Road.
Slow up! Before you head further along the trail, take time to explore the different spaces and activities in this sprawling area. From dog-friendly facilities to a learn-to-cycle circuit, from the beginnings of an ecological sanctuary to a cycle pump track, there’s all sorts of things for you humans to discover.
Two notable nature-based features of this area are:
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the Brooker Reserve [URL], and
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the hidden gem of Te Kohanga Taiao Nature Play Park.
The nature play park is an educational, interactive play area. The fabulous mural, inside the tunnel structure, features native butterflies. How many butterflies are on the mural? How many have you seen in real life?
Make sure to keep an eye on toddlers, because the quietly flowing Corsers Stream is nestled behind the site.
As a pīwakawaka, I am grateful to Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park and Green Lab, among others, who are developing these green spaces for me – and you – to enjoy.
What fun things can you find as you explore?
Ka pai! Great!
Links
NZ butterflies
https://www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/resource/educational-resources/
East x East’s Learn to Ride bike track (access from Longview Place). BYO bikes.
https://avonotakaronetwork.org/east-x-east-burwood/
Avon Ōtakaro Forest Park Brooker Reserve plantings
https://www.aofp.co.nz/sites-of-ecological-importance
Nature Play Park project
https://thegreenlab.org.nz/projects-brookerave/
https://familytimes.co.nz/a-park-with-heart-christchurchs-special-new-sensory-nature-play-park/