Fowlds Park
Fowlds Park is a small public reserve in the northern part of Mount Albert, in Auckland City.
Description
The park is roughly rectangular in shape and of irregular topography. An extensive stand of mature gum trees line the northern boundary at the park's highest point. There are two main playing fields with a sloping bank between them. The eastern entry to the park is dominated by a memorial gateway dedicated to Sir George Fowlds. To the south and west of the gateway are a grove of mature trees and a landscaped rock outcrop.
History
Previously an asylum endowment, the land was transferred to Mt Albert Domain Board in 1912 in exchange for Council land adjoining the Avondale Mental Hospital. The land was known as the Morningside Reserve and used as a rubbish tip, becoming a scandal in Auckland newspapers in 1921, due to the pests and unpleasant odours associated with the park. After these headlines, local Mount Albert residents were motivated to clean the area, and in May 1928 a playground was constructed, paid for by the Mt Albert Aroha Progressive League.[1]
In 1933, the park was reopened as Fowlds Park, as a tribute to Minister of Health Sir George Fowlds' contributions to the area. The park was redesigned by American landscape architect Fred Tschopp, designing a park that focused on trees that would attract birdlife, instead of more typical designs of the time that focused on flower beds.[1] In 1937, sports fields were developed at Fowlds Park by relief workers, at the end of the Great Depression.[1]
The
Uses and amenities
The park has been used variously by Mt Albert Ramblers Softball Club, Auckland United Softball, Mount Albert Rovers netball club, the Rocky Nook Bowling Club and a Marching Association and
References
- ^ Wikidata Q117189974.
- Fowlds Park Management Plan Auckland City April 1992