Daldy Street showcases Auckland's Future

Not your typical Auckland Street. But a sneak preview of a style that is setting the standard on Auckland's waterfront at Wynyard Quarter. And - be clear - this is a public street and public park for all Auckland to enjoy, and cars are in the minority. I took these photos as workers toiled on the last details of this latest and very creative addition to Auckland's public domain. Come on down and have a look this weekend..... 

Waterfront Auckland is opening up one of Auckland’s newest streets for a day of play and exploration this weekend: Saturday, 22nd November, between 11:00am and 3:00pm. So get on down there and soak up the new atmosphere. The idea is they'll keep cars away for the day, "...bring your picnic rug and make the street yours for the day. It wouldn’t be a party without fun and games, so we’ve got lots lined up, from backyard cricket and BBQs to music and a sprinkler (you know how kids love a sprinkler)..." 

This is one of the playground features in the park. This is a public space for all of Auckland. Including all demographics: kids, families and there are plenty of places for older people to sit and watch too. This is a three storey play space, spiral staircase, netwalls, and interesting slides to go down. Reminscent of a waters slide maybe...

This is a serious bit of stormwater fun. Looks like it collects local rainwater, stores it in the tank, and there's all sorts of ways to play with and use the water. As you can see in pictures below. Along with raingardens and other sustainability features, ecological planting, this park suggests approaches for the rest of Auckland. It sets the bar at a different level to what citizens have become acustomed.

I happened upon this intense development scene. Proud workers wanted to talk about what they were doing - despite concerns about getting everything done for the weekend. There is real creative energy and vigour in this project. You can see how it will draw and attract people from across Auckland. This is the x-factor that private investors look for when assessing development opportunities on adjacent sites. I'd like to see a bit of this thinking - green space, seats, a serious sense of play with interpretation, and wind and sun shade - in Queen Elizabeth Square.