The duckpond at Waitakere Hospital

The topic of today's post came about because I like to walk most mornings. I was exercising in just that manner one day when I met our new friends Dave and Deb who were returning from their daily jaunt.  

We happened to meet on the bridge spanning the Opanuku.  They inquired where I was headed that day and I described my proposed route.  Upon hearing my plan, they suggested that had I not yet explored the park behind the Hospital, which I would be passing that day on my walk, I should do so at my earliest convenience.  

Well, I had no idea there was a park behind the hospital. I had been at the hospital's emergency room a couple of times over the past ten years; once when a family member needed a quick patch-up job and the other time when an X-ray was needed. Our visits were fortunately brief on both occasions. We felt no inclination whatsoever to explore the hospital any further once the poked hand and the bumped head were declared repaired. 

I doubt that many people visiting the hospital couple that activity with the plan to visit the park afterwards. Most people just want to leave, and as quickly as possible.  

But it's a nice park.  Sort of a duck-pond, or an aquatic bird sanctuary, if you want to give it a slightly fancier name.  It's tucked away near the employee carpark, so I'm guessing that many of them sit on its benches and eat their lunch, read or just while away their break time in calming surroundings. There is something about the quacking of a bunch of ducks as they feed that soothes.  

So then, let's get started with the tour.   

Outside the pediatrics entrance. 

The red arrow near the top center of the map indicates the front entrance sign I showed you above. 

Perfect weather for appreciating the park. 

A sentry pukeko.

I was pleased to have found this.  Thanks Dave and Deb.  I've made two trips now to this park. The first time I came the weather was overcast and threatening to rain on me.  I therefore came back for more photos when the sky's reflected color would be more pleasing.  

Thanks for taking a look with me.  -djf