Media release 11 August 2004

Work is about to begin at the Tui Glen Recreation Reserve on the banks of the Opanuku Stream, implementing a Concept Plan adopted by the Council in 2003.

The Concept Plan is part of the Henderson Creek Corridor Reserves Management Plan and includes a shared cycle/walkway linking with the rest of Henderson Creek, a hard court for tennis and netball, new paths, lighting, an upgraded footbridge into Cranwell Park and signage.

One of the key projects will be building a new jetty on the site of the original. Work has begun on the preliminary design and construction is expected in February-March 2005.

Another jetty will be built further downstream on the opposite bank, below the new sports stadium in Henderson Creek Esplanade Reserve. These two jetties will allow pedestrian access to the creek for viewing the stream and launching kayaks and dinghies.

The historic Tui Glen Reserve between Cranwell Park and Falls Park in Henderson, was New Zealand’s earliest motor camp, opening in 1925. For many years it was operated as a privately-run, pleasure/picnic ground, said to be the finest motor camp in the country.

During its heyday in the 1930s, visitors to the park had a choice of 60 different amusements, including donkeys, wallabies, goldfish, trout, birds, gardens, games, 21 boats and canoes and a fairy grotto.

After the Second World War, Tui Glen was used as a transit housing camp for immigrants. After it became run down, it was purchased by Council in the 1960s, finally closing its doors to caravans and temporary homes in 2002.

In recent years extensive public consultation showed strong support for retaining the park with an area set aside for quality, short-term tourist accommodation.
The majority of the work shown in the Concept Plan will be staged over the next few years. Funding was allocated in the 2004/5 budget to begin the work.

Copies of the Henderson Creek Corridor Reserves Management Plan are available from Council offices or can be viewed at Waitakere libraries or Council’s website at www.waitakere.govt.nz.

ENDS

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