Green spots in Kingsland
When you first start a job, they normally show you the emergency exits. Those handy routes you can escape if the whole place goes up in flames. For myself, rather than emergency exits, I need to know the nearest green space.
The spaces where I can leave the concrete and the urban madness behind and breathe in the green. With Covid-19, I spent a lot of time restricted to my neighbourhood of Kingsland in Auckland. So, I sniffed out the green spots in my area. And yes, I stand by sniff out. Green has a very distinct odour, don’t you know.
If you are ever in my neck of the woods and have a hankering for a spot to chill out, have a breather, or a coffee with some green around you, than this list may be handy for you. Or simply read on for some rambles.
The Kingsland Orchard.
We have an orchard in Kingsland.
Nestled between concrete and brick, you can get lost in a wonderland. When I first discovered this gem, that is how I felt. Alice in her wonderland. Here you can find trees ripening with apples and pears, and birds singing sweetly on the branches.
This became my favorite place to be. Walking along the garden, you can smell the savoury aroma of rosemary and spot strange looking plants, such as a huge banana tree and statement making bird of paradise.
Grab a lime for your soda, a spring of rosemary for your dinner, or just simply chill out on the grass and make a daisy chain. There is also a picnic table to have a quiet lunch on.
However, at night, this spot can become a bit weird. A few groups like to party here for some reason. Because nothing says party, like an orchard.
One group even left a crayfish and a pair of underwear in the tree once. Like an odd type of Christmas tree decoration. Those underwear still hang there to this day.
Kingsland’s not so secret orchard can be found here:
Nixon Park
This is not Richard Nixon’s park. I actually have no idea on the name origins, but I do know one thing. This is a decent sized park to relax in when in Kingsland.
There is a lot to do here. If you are into skating, there is a skate park situation. There is a hoop for those who live the basketball life. A field where people love to throw balls, hit balls with sticks, and do other ball related things. And if you are like me, you will be happy to know there is a delightful place to nap under the trees amidst the leaves. There is also a bench, if that is more your vibe. Blackbirds, kingfishers, sparrows, and pigeons can be found chilling out here.
Oh. There is also a playground, and a very long slide for your children to explore. If you have gone down that life route and have kids. Or, if you are a big kid like myself, have a swing or a go down the slide yourself. Word of warning however, I have never ventured down the slide so there may be scary shit down there. I am mostly talking about urine.
This is a cool place to watch the sunset with your pals or solo style slowly singing on the swing. Now say that ten times fast. If you do manage to, send me that video. Because I would be throughly entertained.
Access for pedestrians can be found on Bond Street.
That Park Bench
Have a seat, breathe in that fresh-ish air (you are right next to a main road), hear some birds chirping, and enjoy the lovely view of the denim outlet store. Where you can satisfy any denim related cravings or emergency.
Okay, the view may not be great. But it is a bench under a tree, and does okay for a quiet spot in the morning with your coffee.
Where can I find that sexy park bench:
Another Park Bench
I know, I know. We are spoiled for choice here in Kingsland with our park benches.
This park bench is situated in a pocket park, with really beautiful pink flowering trees and sparrows and pigeons who hang out here. The view as of 2020 is a construction site. Which may not be relaxing in a traditional sense of the word (unless hammers and drills are music to your ears). But arrive there early enough, and it is a nice quiet spot to contemplate life and all that shit. Or just simply talk to the pigeons, like I do. Made some of my bestest friends there, I did. Most are feathered and coo.
I have marked it on the map below as Plum Lodge. Do not attempt to go into this lodge unless you are looking for a place to sleep I guess. It is the pocket park next to the lodge which you are after.
Monkey Park
No monkeys here, but a lot of monkeying around can be had.
Some may see this simply as a thoroughfare between two streets, but look underneath the underneath. Because, this is such a groovy cute park. There are Kōwhai trees blooming, tuis racing along the tree tops getting drunk on nectar, and even a swing to monkey around on. I would recommend coming from George Street, as you will be walking down through this park rather than trekking upwards. Though if you enjoy torture, than tackle it from Onslow Road. I am just lazy and will always go the down hill route if that is an option.