Northern Growth Management - Newlands Area Parks & Reserves

Gilberd Bush Reserve

Wellington City Council is developing a parks and reserves network in the Newlands area.

Proposal

Council officers used consultation feedback to develop a work programme for the next few years, including some which can be scheduled into ongoing maintenance. These include:

• development of a master plan for Newlands Park and Pinkerton Park, a concept plan for Lyndfield Lane upgrade and a planting plan for Ceres Crescent
• installation of seating on some walkways (ie Brandon's Walkway)
• improving information on parks, reserves and walkways, including on the Council website and onsite signage
• working with community groups on potential revegetation projects and names for parks in Woodridge
• consultation on the potential sale of Chapman Street Park and Glanmire Road Reserve
• assessment of the future of Jay Street Park.

The community will be able to comment and make suggestions on the plans for Newlands Park, Pinkerton Park, and Lyndfield Lane. Funding will be required to carry out upgrades at Newlands Park and Pinkerton Park.

The community will also be able to comment on any selling of land through a separate consultation process.

• Network Plan 2010/2020 (110Kb PDF)
• Newlands Area Parks and Reserves Map (336Kb PDF)

Contact us if you'd like to be posted a higher resolution map.

Lyndfield Lane Park & Play Area Upgrade

We are planning an upgrade in 2012 to Lyndfield Lane Park and Play Area in Newlands.

We would like your feedback on the draft concept plan as well as your ideas for the play area by 30 September 2011.

Landscape Proposal (2.65Kb PDF)

Park upgrade

The main highlights of the park upgrade include:

• the creation of a new track linking with the grassy lookout / knoll
• the introduction of some new fruit and nut trees
• the removal of the hazardous pine trees
• improving entrances to the park from Lyndfield Lane and Black Rock Road.

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Play area upgrade

The upgraded play area will be relocated to the west to provide for a bigger grassed area. The play area will be similar in size to Salford Street Play Area. We would like to hear from you on what types of play equipment you would like to have in your new play area.

We expect the play area upgrade work to begin in February 2012 and take about six weeks. The play area will be out of action while the work is under way. Other work around the park will begin around November, but the park will be usable throughout this time.

To give us your feedback about the play area upgrade, contact:

Thomas Hickey

To give us your feedback about the park upgrade, contact:

David Halliday

Background

In 2008, the Council assessed the quality of current parks and reserves in the Newlands, Paparangi, Grenada Village and Woodridge area on:

• location and accessibility
• size and layout
• visual appeal
• the amount of winter sun and summer shade.

While there are some great parks in the area, the assessment also found:

• some parks are isolated and hidden from view
• some are on sloping land, which limits use for informal games
• one park appears to be an empty section and not public space.

The layout of some parks also limits their use. For example, parks with play equipment or plantings in the middle of a flat area limit the development of picnic areas, community gardens or orchards, or kick-about space.

It was also found that the very large reserves, which extend over significant parts around the edges of Newlands:

• combine with the surrounding harbour to successfully form a 'green belt'
• have significant visual and ecological value
• offer recreational opportunities (including walking tracks).

• Newlands Park and Open Space - Quality Assessment Report (465Kb PDF)

Public Consultation

In November / December 2009, people were asked to suggest ways to create quality parks and reserves and how to improve existing parks and reserves. Twenty-eight responses were received, and feedback was provided at two discussion sessions.

In summary, feedback was that the area:

• lacks longer day walks
• needs more multi-use tracks, mountain biking tracks and a bike skills area
• would benefit from more seating along the tracks providing views of the harbour, forest and hills
• needs more picnic areas and playgrounds for a range of ages, including a playground at Newlands Park close to the town centre.

There was also support for the proposed Belmont Gully and Escarpment tracks.

• Consultation Report (182Kb PDF)

More Information

Mike Oates
Manager Open Space and Recreation Planning, Parks and Gardens

Related Links

• Centres Policy
• Parks & Playgrounds
• Plans - Northern Reserves Management

Department Details:
Parks and Gardens