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Live near Papakura and don’t want to spend too much on fuel to get to a park that offers plenty of options? Then Ōpaheke Park is worth a try.
Opened to the public last July, the park was designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the wider Ōpaheke area.
A huge 19 hectares in size, Ōpaheke Park is one of the largest developed parks by the council in South Auckland. It features wide green fields, 2km of walking paths, wetlands, and a pump track for the kids. There’s also a dog park – no fancy access here, wear gumboots or some old shoes.
Recently a disc golf course was added to the park, with nine holes. The beginner course is great for newbies, while the long course offers more challenges. The course design is very open and suits those players who can throw big. When it rains, the course does become very boggy, and recent users have pointed out that the course itself would benefit from some TLC and judicious use of weedeaters.
The main thing that’s different about Ōpaheke Park is its purpose as a sponge park, and it’s something that all park users need to keep in mind. When it rains heavily, water needs somewhere to go. Instead of rushing through existing drains and flooding streets, Ōpaheke Park plays a protective role by holding excess rainwater to help prevent flooding during storms. This helps reduce the impact on houses in nearby low-lying areas and homes at the base of Red Hill.
The park is designed to soak up water during storms and slowly let it flow back into the
environment. Less pressure on drains and pipes – and less chance of flood damage. On dry days, it looks like a regular park. But during heavy rain, which is becoming more frequent in Auckland, it quietly does an important job.
Access to the large car park is from Opaheke Road. Gates are open from 7am to 9pm in summer and 7am to 7pm in winter. A large toilet block with accessible toilets is between the car park and sports fields.
