The Bridges and Art of Henderson

One of the interesting policies that he former Waitakere City Council implemented was to improve the amount of art in the community. Many of the installations revolved around integrating the pieces while also the process of doing infrastructure works.  Walking around Henderson, here are some of the artworks that can be found (sorry these are Patrick quality photos)

First up we have the bridge on Sturges Rd over the rail lines (the station is just behind me). This piece is one of those ones that people seem to either love or hate. In addition to the red hoops the glass panels – which are there to prevent access to the wires below – have prints on them of artwork from some local kids at the time.

Next we have a pedestrian only bridge that provides pedestrian and cycling access from Mt Lebanon Lane and the Corban Estate through to Henderson Park. This is part of what is quite a decent cycleway. The photos are from either side of the bridge.

But it isn’t just bridges, the next two photos are painting that has been done to liven up the otherwise bland concrete of abutment and pier for the rail bridge over the stream.

The commercial area of Henderson is bounded to its East and West by two streams (the Opanuku and the Oratia). Great North Rd crosses both of these streams on journey through the suburb and on the bridges is an identical piece of artwork helping to signify the entrance to the town centre. This photo is from the Western side on the bridge that crosses Opanuku Stream.

Personally I think they look better at night when they are been lit up.

Artwork is also included in the some of the footpaths like this to signify the Twin Streams

Some of the older pieces of artwork around Henderson includes around Hart Domain. One one side of the road is this sculpture recognising some of the early history out west.

While on the other side next a playground is this which handily includes seats for parents to sit and watch.

The last set of photos are from nearby me at Paremuka Reserve. The bridge spans the stream leading to it and connects Summerland Dr and Munroe Rd. I believe the patter is meant to represent traditional Maori fishing nets.

And this is in the (man-made) lakes as part of the reserve. The sculpture in the foreground is a man holding an eel while you can also see the wires for electrification in the background.

There are a couple of other bridges at Falls Park and through to Tui Glen Reserve that have artistic features but sadly the memory card I had in my phone at the time corrupted and I lost the photos.

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