This peaceful reserve features native plantings and is home to a variety of birds, making it a pleasant spot for walking or cycling.
The 60-hectare reserve has been developed into an oasis of native plants and wetlands located between the Mayfield subdivision in Bethlehem and the suburb of Brookfield. Features include a playground and an outdoor classroom area which is used for Learning Through Discovery programmes.
More than two kilometres of walkways wind through this reserve including 230 metres of boardwalk lined with native plants. These walkways provide excellent walking and cycling links between Bethlehem, Brookfield and Bellevue.
Council's learning through discovery programmes
Gordon Carmichael Reserve walkways
Projects to improve Gordon Carmichael Reserve
Eden Crescent bridge
We have built a bridge/boardwalk connecting Eden Crescent, Brookfield into the reserve’s network of walkways and cycleways.
This project has been partly funded through development contribution fees from the Urban Ridge subdivision.
Walkway/cycleway upgrades
Works are under way to complete the network of walkways/cycleways in Gordon Carmichael Reserve.
Alongside this will be the addition of a cultural sculpture garden, an upgrade to the current stormwater system, and construction of a retaining wall in the Carmichael Road entrance to the reserve opposite Bob Owens Retirement Village. The upgrades are expected to be completed in March 2023.
Local hapū, Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Ngāti Hangarau, as well as local schools are assisting with cultural interpretation and art works on some of these improvement projects.
Improving access to the reserve
After both a road safety audit and consultation with local residents (including nearby retirement villages), we are also installing a new pedestrian crossing on Carmichael Road opposite the entrance to the reserve in March-April 2023. This pedestrian crossing is intended to make accessing the reserve easier and safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.