Thomas Bloodworth Park

I walk or drive past this park pretty much every single day and have never really paid it much attention until I was stuck in traffic outside it the other day as the sun was setting and it struck me how beautiful the view is from there. You can literally see all the way out to Hobson Bay.
It’s always got stuff going on too: games of cricket (as it’s home to Parnell Cricket Club), which attract really big crowds, kids sports games and I even see crazy people doing bootcamp there at stupid times of the morning.
It has the distinct advantage of being completely flat, which is something of a rarity in parks in Auckland, I’ve noticed! When there’s nothing going on there, it’s the perfect place to just go chill out in the sun with a book or take the dog for a walk. It’s really clean, well maintained and reasonably quiet around when is isn’t rush-​hour traffic time.

Also known as Shore Road and Bloodworth Park, Thomas Bloodworth Park is great for all different kinds of activities.
We usually utlilise the park for games of touch and the occasional game of kicks, however it is now used by a wide range of groups. The flat ground is ideal for sport and it doesn’t get too wet during the winter. Floodlights are also available, if organised with the council.
There are fitness classes held here such as boot camps, it is home to the Parnell Cricket Club, with pitches across both areas of the park in summer, with nets at both ends. There is a track which has been built which borders Hobson Bay, providing a scenic route for runners and walkers alike. There is a playground near the cricket club facilities with a regular coffee cart frequenting the carpark. Other vendors include florists, grocers, sushi, and sometimes even whitebait if you’re lucky.