Shopping Guide: Park Island Recreation Ground

Park Island Shopping Guide

Park Island: A Shopper's Guide

Why You Should Visit

  • Diverse Recreational Opportunities: You'll find this a versatile location for various activities. The area offers paths for running, with options ranging from sports fields and concrete paths to hill climbs offering scenic vantage points. Exercise stations are set up along the route.
  • Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly: This is a great place for family outings and dog walks. The location welcomes kids and dogs, providing a suitable environment for leisurely walks.
  • Sporting Events and Facilities: Shoppers can expect to find well-maintained sports fields. The area hosts events like the Napier City Rovers U19 Youth Football Tournament (as seen during Labor Weekend 2022), making it a good choice for football fans. The grounds cater to various sports, including football, rugby, hockey, and archery.
  • Scenic Walks and Outdoor Exploration: The area features a hilly terrain that's good for tramping. You'll find diverse trees and shrubbery, especially beautiful during Autumn. The location offers an interesting experience, with pathways for walking, and areas for both on-leash and off-leash dogs (with designated dog trial areas).
  • Convenient Amenities: The location offers practical amenities like parking and toilet facilities, as experienced by those meeting for planned bike rides.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

  • Water Quality Concerns: Be aware that the waterways can be problematic. There are observations that the waterways resemble open sewers and are filled with algae, posing potential health risks to dogs. The smell alone is a deterrent.
  • Dog Waste Issues: Keep in mind that, while the Council maintains the grounds, unfortunately not all dog owners clean up after their pets.
  • Terrain Challenges: Although there are hill climbs and diverse terrain, it can get very wet.
  • Lack of Care in Waterways: The area around the waterways has been criticized for its lack of care, suggesting a potential hazard for dogs due to algae-filled water.
  • Local Club Collaboration Required: You need to check with local clubs to use the facilities for your selected sports.
  • Unpleasant Observations: You may find that boy racers are driving at high speeds.