Brooklands, New Plymouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brooklands |
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| Basic information | |
| Local authority | New Plymouth |
| Coordinates | 39°04′S 174°05′E / 39.07°S 174.08°E |
  Brooklands, New Plymouth  |
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Brooklands is a cool suburb in New Plymouth, a city in the Taranaki area of New Zealand's western North Island. It sits on the southern edge of the city, right next to Vogeltown. This area got its name from Brooklands farm, which was started way back in 1842.
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Discover Brooklands: Fun Places to Visit
A big part of Brooklands is beautiful parkland. Brooklands Park is connected to the New Plymouth racecourse and the amazing Pukekura Park.
The Bowl of Brooklands: Music and More!
In 1957, a natural outdoor area with a lake in Brooklands Park was turned into the Bowl of Brooklands. It's known as one of New Zealand's best outdoor concert spots! Many international music stars perform here. It's also where the New Zealand WOMAD festival happens, celebrating music, arts, and dance from all over the world.
Brooklands Children's Zoo
Inside the park, you'll find a fun children's zoo. It opened in 1965 and is run by the local council. It's a great place to see animals and learn about them.
The Gables: A Historic Building
There's a very old building called "The Gables" in Brooklands. It was built in 1847 as a hospital for the early settlers. In 1904, it was moved to the Brooklands estate. Today, it's New Zealand's oldest hospital building still standing! It now serves as an art gallery for the Taranaki Arts Society.
World's Only Lawn Bowls Museum
Did you know Brooklands has the only Lawn Bowls Museum in the world? It opened in 1980 and has over 8,000 items related to the sport of lawn bowls. It's a unique place to explore!
Brooklands Through Time: A Look at its History
Captain Henry King started Brooklands farm in 1842. It was meant to be a perfect farm to help the New Zealand Company promote the new settlement of New Plymouth. Sadly, the farmhouse was burned down in 1861 during the First Taranaki War. But its chimney still stands tall in Brooklands Park today!
Between 1875 and 1880, people tried to grow grapes for wine in part of the Pukekura stream valley, but it didn't work out.
Later, a famous local businessman named Newton King owned a large piece of land here. He built a big house called Brooklands in the early 1900s. When he passed away in 1927, he wanted to give money to the New Plymouth parks. However, because of some business problems, the money wasn't available. So, in 1934, his family gave the property itself to the New Plymouth borough. The house was taken down in 1936 because they couldn't find a use for it.
The suburb of Brooklands grew bigger, expanding south to its current size in the 1950s.
Learning in Brooklands: Local Schools
Brooklands is home to two great schools for young people.
St Pius X School
- This is a primary school for students in years 1 to 6 (ages 5-10).
- It's a Catholic school that welcomes all students.
- About 129 students attend this school.
Highlands Intermediate School
- This school is for intermediate students in years 7 and 8 (ages 11-13).
- It has about 684 students and was started in 1955.
- The school has cool facilities, including a hockey turf.
- Students wear a polo shirt and sweatshirt. Girls can choose culottes or a skirt, while boys wear shorts.
Images for kids
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The chimney of Henry King's 1842 farmhouse.
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The Gables, New Zealand's oldest surviving hospital building.
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The New Zealand Bowls Museum is located at the New Plymouth Bowling club.
