Woodham Park

A small playground and seasonal paddling pool sit inside the heritage garden of Woodham Park in Linwood, wrapped around mature trees and Christchurch City Council's only public aviary.

Equipment

The playground sits sheltered by mature trees and centres on a multi-play structure, a see-saw, a carousel and swings that include an infant swing and a junior slide, set on Matta Tile surfacing across a modest, family-scaled play area. The paddling pool opens each year from mid November to 31 March, and next to it the aviary houses Java sparrow, ring-necked dove, native and exotic parakeet, quail and assorted finches, the only aviary the council still runs anywhere in the city.

Access and Inclusion

An infant swing and junior slide make the equipment workable for the youngest visitors, and the site's good natural tree cover keeps the play area comfortable through summer. Dogs are welcome in the park on a leash but must stay at least a metre from the playground and paddling pool, so families with prams and toddlers can use the equipment without worrying about off leash animals nearby. Street parking runs along Woodham Road and Lionel Street, both leading to entrances a short walk from the play area.

History and Cultural

The park occupies the former grounds of a ten bedroom homestead built by stamp clerk John Gwalter Palairet; the house changed hands repeatedly and, after years of vandalism, was demolished in 1941, leaving the greenspace to become Woodham Park, named for the road that runs past its entrance. A Press columnist who grew up nearby remembered walking his grandmother down that same gravel driveway to eat buns behind the laurel hedge, and later playing there through his years at Linwood North School. The garden holds specimen daimyo oak, trembling poplar, Chinese wingnut and slippery elm trees, plus laurel and yew hedging.

Practical Info

Address: Linwood, Christchurch 8062. Main entrance on Woodham Road, alternate entrance on Lionel Street, with street car parking available. Public toilets, a drinking fountain and seating are on site, and the paddling pool runs mid November to 31 March each year.