Phyllis Street Reserve - History

Originally know as Oakley Park the area was renamed Phyllis Street Reserve 1972.

In 1924, 3.4 hectares now comprising the northern part of the reserve were acquired by Council for General Borough Purposes, primarily quarrying and refuse tipping. The quarrying operations ceased in 1945 but the tipping use continues to this day albeit of inorganic refuse only.

Additional land opposite the western side of Springleigh Avenue was acquired by Council in 1939 from Messers. Beazley and Punch as part of a major subdivision of the area. This land, also purchased for General Borough Purposes was initially used for the paddocking and stabling of Council horses while being prepared as recreation ground. The recreation field was ready for use in the Summer of 1940-41 and a pavilion comprising toilet and changing room facilities was built by Council soon after.

Early uses of the field were for hockey and soccer in the Winter and softball and cricket in the Summer.

The Metro College Sports Club entered into their first 3-year tenancy of the reserve in 1956. In 1963 the Metro Club moved a house on to the reserve for clubroom use. The building was subsequently upgraded and extended to accommodate changing rooms. The sportsfield was extended in the north in 1969 after Council gave permission to Metro to develop a softball diamond. The clubrooms were extended in 1973 and again in 1978 after the Club gained permission to operate an ancillary liquor licence from the premises. A new lease for the Metro College Sports Club is currently being negotiated.

The Akarana Dog Obedience Society became established when Council gave its permission to use an area in the southern part of the reserve in conjunction with the Society.s use of adjoining railway land. This use continues today.

In 1974 Council leased a small area of the reserve at the north-eastern end of Phyllis Street to the Auckland Play Centres Association for a term of 10 years.

Links to original plans:    Plan 1    Plan 2

The above text and images were taken from the "Phyllis St Reserve Management Plan" ... an unfinished document found on Auckland City's web site.  Date unknown ...