Frank Kitts Park, Wellington

Frank Kitts Park, nestled between Jervois Quay and the Lambton Harbour waterfront in Wellington, is a vibrant urban oasis with a rich history and diverse attractions. Originally named Marine Park, this park became a cherished public space after a pedestrian bridge was built over Jervois Quay in 1978, improving its connection to the city. In May 1979, it was renamed in honor of Sir Frank Kitts, Wellington's mayor from 1956 to 1974, and a Harbour Board member.

Frank Kitts Park offers diverse attractions for all ages. At the southern end, there's a covered car park doubling as a vast lawn area. The northern section features expansive lawns, a children's play area with a charming lighthouse-shaped slide, and a small amphitheater at the heart of the park, serving as a venue for various public events and a favorite lunch spot for city workers. Along the seaward side, a broad promenade offers a serene walkway, partially enclosed by a high wall separating it from the amphitheater.

Art and commemoration are integral to the park's atmosphere. Tanya Ashken's Albatross fountain, commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust in 1986, adorns the south end near Whairepo Lagoon. Len Lye's Water Whirler adds life to the waterfront near the children's play area with its captivating motion and water spray. Also contributing to the park's cultural landscape are Paul Dibble's Fruits of the Garden, displayed during the 2002 New Zealand Festival, and Charles Stone's sundial, honoring Mayor Frank Kitts and the park's redevelopment.

Additionally, the promenade wall is adorned with numerous plaques that pay tribute to various events, organizations, and individuals, including the ship Pamir and its crew, Polish refugee children of Pahiatua, US Marines, and New Zealand forces who served in the Korean War, weaving a tapestry of memories and history into the scenic waterfront park.