Shepherds Park

Shepherds Park
Shepherds Park playground as it was in 2015
Shepherds Park playground
Map
TypeUrban park
Location31-35 Cresta Avenue, Beach Haven, Auckland
Coordinates36°47′16.1″S 174°41′19.3″E / 36.787806°S 174.688694°E / -36.787806; 174.688694
Created1947
Operated byAuckland Council
WebsiteAuckland Council

Shepherds Park, is a reserve and sports ground in the suburb of Beach Haven in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the home ground of New Zealand National League and Northern League side Birkenhead United, Beach Haven Bowling Club, Beach Haven Tennis Club, Shepherds Park Squash Club.[1] It is also the home for Beach Haven Community House and Beach Haven Kauri Kids.

The park features areas of regenerating native bush.[2] The Friends of Shepherds Park is a community group that have been coming together for over 30 years for native plant regeneration and maintenance in the park.

Shepherds Park also hosts cricket games during the summer and is used as one of Birkenhead City Cricket Club's grounds.[3]

History[edit]

Māori archaeological middens have been found at Shepherds Park, along the shores of Oruamo or Hellyers Creek.[2]

Shepherd Park was named after the Shepherd family who lived and farmed there for several generations.[1]

Starting in September 2022, Birkenhead United started the upgrades of their club rooms worth around NZD$2.5 million.[4]

In September 2022, Shepherds Park were shortlisted by FIFA to be a team base camp for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[5][6] On 12 December 2022, it was announced Shepherds Park would be used as the training ground by Italy during the world cup.[7][8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Shepherds Park". Auckland Council. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b Community Facilities Trust Birkenhead/Northcote (2006). Harbourside Explorer: A Guide to Exploring What's In and Around Birkenhead and Northcote (2nd ed.). North Shore City. pp. 4–5.
  3. ^ "Shepherds Park". criq HQ.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  4. ^ "Clubroom Upgrade". Birkenhead United AFC. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  5. ^ "Team Base Camps added to list of FIFA Women's World Cup 'firsts'". FIFA. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  6. ^ "The grounds that will get upgrades as part of $19 million plan for Women's World Cup". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  7. ^ "Team Base Camps confirmed for FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023". FIFA. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  8. ^ "Fifa Women's World Cup: Team base camps revealed for next year's tournament in New Zealand". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 15 December 2022.