Potters Park — Attraction in Albert-Eden

Auckland’s Potters Park is a beloved haven with a remarkable history, and the 2024 Moon Festival held here was a tremendous success! Nestled at the corner of Balmoral and Dominion Roads, this park has been a central gathering point for Aucklanders for over a century. It owes its existence to Frederick Seymour Potter, a businessman and philanthropist, whose vision for an inclusive community space has left a lasting legacy.

Frederick Potter, who moved to New Zealand in 1858 from London, made his mark as the proprietor of a successful coach-building business, Gee and Potter. After losing his wife and infant son in 1912, Potter shifted his focus toward philanthropy. In 1916, he generously gifted the land surrounding his Balmoral home to the people of Auckland. He envisioned this space as a public park where families and individuals could enjoy the outdoors and connect with one another.

Potters Park officially opened in 1921, marking a new chapter in its story. At the time, Potter continued to live on the remaining part of the property until he moved out. His contribution was a significant gesture of goodwill, and he remained deeply involved in the community until his death in 1941.

The park spans a considerable area, offering ample green space, a popular playground, and a splash pad. These features make it a go-to spot for local families, especially during festive events like the recent Moon Festival, which was a huge hit. The event brought together performances, cultural activities, and food stalls, showcasing the vibrant diversity of Auckland.

Potters Park is more than just a piece of land—it symbolizes the legacy of Frederick Potter’s generosity and his commitment to the well-being of future generations. The park was transferred to the Mt. Eden Borough Council, ensuring that it would remain in public hands and serve the community for years to come.

We owe a deep sense of gratitude to Mr. Potter for gifting this beautiful green space to Auckland. His foresight continues to enrich the lives of those who visit Potters Park, providing a place to relax, play, and celebrate. The park stands as a testament to how one person’s generosity can create a lasting impact on an entire city. Thank you, Mr. Potter! 🌳

This version adds more about Potter’s life, the size of the park, and when it was officially transferred to...

Potters Park is a 3 hectare reserve located on the corner of Balmoral and Dominion Roads in Mt Eden. Pedestrian access to the park is gained from Balmoral and Dominion Road.The park is used for informal recreation and has many facilities for families of all ages. The park contains a number of scheduled trees which are protected in the Auckland City Proposed District Plan. The protected trees consist of radiata pines, queen palms and phoenix palms. Potters Park is also home to Auckland's first splash-pad.' The land for Potters Park was donated by Frederick S Potter, a well-known Auckland philanthropist. He wanted the open space to be enjoyed by all, especially children. During the World War Two, covered trenches for use as air raid shelters were dug at Potters Park. As part of the war effort, council turned the park into gardens, growing beans, beetroot, lettuce and potatoes. Potters Park is home to 'Boy Walking' (Ronnie van Hout, 2019), a 5.6-metre-high sculpture depicting a larger-than-life child strolling with purpose. 'Boy Walking' is easy to spot, towering above the streetscape of Dominion Road. There is a small bronze sculpture 'The Sound of Rain' (John Radford, 2007) in the north-western corner of the park. The miniature villa stands on a bronze plate which represents a quarter acre section, and its small size as if you're looking down on a villa from one of Auckland's volcanos. It's part of a series of tiny houses that Radford has built, to record those that have been lost in the development...

Early morning walk great. A few city council workers upgrading paths but if it's to improve activities and events for people and families great. How about grinblehurst park doing a revamp this is another park to review but hey when it's hidden out of sight and out of council minds it's place on the burner for a later date. When you look at potters park it's on the main road people and tourist can see and it's surrounded by shops etc. However let's not forget the hidden parks that have a wide area but small activities provided or refurbish if waterblasting and tighting screws is enough it's disappointing as it has a wonderful scenery just like a lot of these other gem parks for communities to use. But hey all in all potters park is scene on the map as an attraction does not one want to consider these hidden gems to be a place of endearment to bring more people if a little more was done to enhance its surroundings like Potters park.? Food for thought...