Phyllis Reserve

Phyllis Reserve is situated at the end of Springleigh Road, a wee street tucked behind the Unitec campus in Mt Albert.
This reserve serves a number of functions so is quite well known by Auckland locals. Phyllis Reserve is home to the Akarana Dog Training Club, a soccer club and fields and also a great walkway.
It’s the walkway in particular that I love about Phyllis Reserve. The path leads you down behind the soccer fields and takes you along the edge of a little stream that runs the length of the Unitec campus. It’s a great place to take your dog for a walk, go for a run or powerwalk and gossip with friends on a Saturday morning.
I actually used to go running there in the evenings by myself quite a lot until I was warned against it. Due to its location — being tucked out of sight and away from houses and passersby, it can be quite dangerous in Phyllis Reserve (and particularly on the walkway) if you are by yourself. So while I definitely recommend it as a place to enjoy some exercise, make sure you don’t go alone or if you do that you go during the day time.
Tip: The walkway takes you past a little waterfall that I think is pretty beautiful. There is even a clearing in front of it with a park bench all set up — this would be a great picnic spot on a sunny day!