Basque Park

Basque Park is the largest and most prominent green space in Uptown. Built on the site of a former Karaka grove, the site remained underdeveloped for the first 100-or-so years of Auckland's settlement by europeans. During the 1930s, this area was a dense neighbourhood of ramshackle worker's cottages. Concern from locals about the lack of amenity for children in the area and the belief from some city officials that this was a "blighted area" contributed to the decision to create a Children's Playground here.

The park has a history that reflects the ups-and-downs of the entire Uptown district. As factories and workshops replaced homes, the value of a children's playground here diminished in the eyes of many, and maintenance of the park was not a priority as it became a place for workers to eat lunch and get some fresh air. Park advocates have saved the park from being paved over several times, and locals set up a market garden similar to the current O.M.G in the 1990s.

Today, as the balance has swung back from industrial to residential, the park serves a similar function to it's original purpose. It remains one of a handful of green spaces in the entire district and is a popular spot for dog walkers and picnickers. We can see several apartments adjacent to the park, which serves as a sort-of communal backyard. As the city becomes denser and apartment living becomes more popular, it is important we think about how accessible green space and fresh air are to our homes, and how developments can be built to interact with the space.

As you continue on this walk, think about how you use and value parks, and where more green space might be needed here in Uptown.