Kensington Park pedestrian safety and parking upgrades

Published on 11 March 2026

Work to improve pedestrian safety near Kensington Sports Park has begun this month, with an upgrade to the Park Avenue carpark near the netball courts also planned for later in 2026. 

Initial safety works are focused on the busy area around Kensington Sports Park and Lupton Avenue, which is used daily by hundreds of students from nearby schools, as well as families and visitors accessing sports facilities. 

Minor changes will be made to pedestrian crossing locations, along with footpath renewals, improved signage, and updated road markings. See the project page for more details:

Kensington Avenue safety improvements

Later in the year, Council will upgrade the Park Avenue carpark near the Whangārei Netball Centre.

The new carpark will be fully sealed and line‑marked, increasing the number of parking spaces and providing clearly defined accessible parks, safer pedestrian routes, and improved drainage. See the project page for more details:

Kensington Sports Park carpark upgrade

Infrastructure Committee Chair Brad Flower says the work reflects Council’s commitment to creating safer spaces for people who walk, cycle and access the park. 

“This is a well‑used area, especially during school and sports seasons, and these upgrades will make it noticeably safer and easier for people to get around,” Cr Flower said. 

“By improving crossings, renewing footpaths and upgrading the carpark, we’re making everyday access safer and more convenient for the whole community.” 

Some minor disruption on Kensington Avenue is expected during March 2026 while the initial works take place.

Upgrades to the Park Avenue carpark will begin in September 2026 once the winter netball season wraps up.