Crowds converge on Chelsea Estate
Park celebration huge success

9 March 2009

Approximately 15,000 people converged on Chelsea Estate Heritage Park on Sunday (8 March) to help celebrate the 37 hectare park transferring into city ownership.

"The turnout was just phenomenal," said Community Services & Parks Chairman, Councillor Tony Holman.

"It was probably the most enjoyable family day out I've ever been to.

"So many people didn't know where this park was or even that it is now in public ownership - nor did they know of the wonderful treasures of this place, but they certainly do now," he said.

Chelsea Estate Heritage Park was transferred into city ownership from Chelsea Estate Sugar Company in June last year following a remarkable demonstration of voluntary and combined efforts of the Chelsea Park Trust, Chelsea Regional Park Association, ASB Charitable Trust, Auckland Regional Council, the NZ Government and North Shore City Council.

Sunday's public open day was planned by North Shore City Council to celebrate the transfer. The opening celebration, a traditional fair day, showcased the unique diversity of heritage and environmental aspects of the park.

Manager Events, City Promotions & Tourism, Jennah Wootten, said the mix of activities, events and old-fashioned games meant people of all ages were entertained.

"It was an absolute hit and so many people have asked whether this will become an annual event," said Ms Wootten.

"The old-fashioned races such as the egg and spoon and sack races were hugely popular with the children, as was Old McDonald's Farm, the ferris wheel and merry go round.

"North Shore Brass also performed to a crowd," she said.

Ms Wootten thanked Birkenhead Transport, which provided a popular free shuttle bus service to and from the venue.

"It certainly helped ease congestion and meant people didn't have to walk for miles," she said.

"It was very much a family day and a community day with many voluntary community organisations also present to showcase how they serve our community."

Mayor Andrew Williams, who formally declared the park "open", paid tribute to the many individuals and organisations who had made the park possible. He likened their actions to the forefathers of Auckland who had the foresight to set aside the Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park.

“This is our modern day great park on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour which will remain in public hands for future generations for all time,” said Mr Williams.

“It could have been lost to being turned into thousands of houses, a result which would have been unbearable.”

Chelsea Estate Heritage Park is a public reserve of natural and historical significance both regionally and nationally. It is also part of the longest continuous stretch of coastal bushland on the Waitemata Harbour and provides a natural habitat for over 50 varieties of native and exotic birds.

ENDS

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