Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/99



Prior to 1900 the City possessed only three areas devoted to Park purposes, viz., Albert Park, acquired in 1871, Western Park, which became City property four years later, and the Domain, which was not vested in the City Council until 1893; but little was done in developing these areas until recent years. A period of activity in the acquisition of Park grounds commenced with the opening, in 1911, of Point Erin Park, and since that date many other grounds have been added either by purchase, gift, or lease, both within the City boundaries and beyond, At the present time the Council controls over 8,000 acres of Park and Reserve land. Development of these areas has also been stimulated, and in the last twelve years much progress in this direction has taken place.

Albert Park, which occupies part of the site of the old Albert Barracks, is situated in the heart of the City, a few yards away from Auckland's main thoroughfare, Queen Street, and, being on elevated ground, provides excellent views of the Harbour and City. The property was handed over as Park grounds to the Council on April 18th, 1871. Traces of the old Barracks wall can still be seen in the Park and in Princes Street. On the latter, dividing the Metropolitan Grounds from Government House Grounds, a small