No names yet for parks

East And Bays Courier

Children and their families are making the most of two new reserves opened as part of the Stonefields development last year.

The yet-to-be-named parks were officially opened last month by Auckland mayor John Banks.

More than 200 residents and invited guests attended the opening, including eastern bays councillors Doug Armstrong and Toni Millar.

The parks, which have been given the working names Kick-a-ball Park and Volcano Park, are among 11 neighbourhood reserves and a wetlands reserve that will be part of Stonefields - Auckland's largest master planned community encompassing 110 hectares and providing 2900 homes that will house 6500 people.

Kick-a-ball Park is a large open space featuring a central open lawn area and a compact playground with an adventure trail.

The red oxide concrete paths have an acid etch finish rather than an exposed finish to minimise grazing should someone fall over.

It also includes garden beds which provide a division between the playground and the road and the strategic placing of trees and garden beds has reduced the need for bollards.

Volcano Park is a passive park for rest and contemplation.

Todd Property Group - formerly Landco Land Developments - worked with Surface Design, a San Francisco based urban design consultancy, and Natural Habitats to design and build the reserves.

The reserves are public and now belong to the Auckland City Council.

Stonefields residents have been asked to suggest names for the reserves.

The final names will be announced early this year.