Lancaster Park is under redevelopment, with planting, new sports grounds and restoration of the heritage gates complete, and construction of the community centre and changing rooms underway.

It’s now time to start planning the play spaces for the park.

In 2022, Christchurch City Council asked the community to help shape the future of Lancaster Park through the Community Spaces Plan. Residents shared their ideas for creating a welcoming and inclusive community park, including a play space for young people.

Concept for the main play space

The main play space at Lancaster Park is a sports-themed playground that caters to a wide range of ages and activities. It includes five zones, each with a unique focus to ensure everyone - from toddlers to teens - has a space to enjoy.

Community zone – Located near the main entrance, toilets, and community centre, this zone features picnic tables, shaded areas, and open greenspace for relaxing and socialising - ideal for families and caregivers.

Younger kids zone – Located at the northern end of the play space, this zone is tailored for younger kids, play equipment in this area encourages imaginative and physical play.

Older kids zone – Located in the middle of the play space, this zone is designed for older kids, features like trampolines, carousels, climbing towers, and slides promotes high-energy play. It’s a space for adventure and active fun.

Hang out zone – Located at the southern end of the play space, this zone provides a more social space for teenagers. With plenty of seating and informal hang-out areas, it offers a sense of separation from the younger play areas.

Green zone – Further away from the play equipment at the southern-most point of the area, this space is designed for relaxation and socialising with picnic areas and greenspace.

A series of play zones have been designed to offer a range of opportunities for play that are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for a wide range of users—especially young people.

The plan introduces four distinct play zones around the Lancaster Park sports fields:

Main play space (north-east) - A wide range of play equipment designed for children of all ages.

Multi-use play pathway (east) - A footpath featuring a small scooter and skate track with berms for added fun.

Youth zone (south) - A multi-use court with hang-out space and seating—ideal for older kids and teens.

Lancaster Park has a rich and beloved history so story telling will be included around the play spaces, including:

• Historically inspired seating - along the edges of the playground to reflect the historic stadium.
• Interactive stadium tunnel – with motion-triggered audio to mimic cheering crowds, anthems and commentators’ voices.
• Interactive story and play wall – with a combination of historic pictures and sports equipment. The wall will promote climbing, imaginative play and junior hoops for basketball.
• Athletics track with historical markers – to let players compare their attempts against sporting greats like Peter Snell and Marise Chamberlain.
• ‘Mix and match’ rotating hero column - featuring local sports figures, allowing users to mix and match faces, uniforms, and equipment.
• Sport themed play equipment - designed to look like sports equipment, such as swing frames with cricket bat poles or hurdle shaped swing seats.