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Thank you to those who provide feedback from 5 to 31 August 2024. We received over 880 responses to this survey which has given us a huge amount of information to help develop the draft Play Spaces Network Plan.

We will share the draft plan with you after it is adopted by Council later this year.

Help us develop our play spaces network plan

A play space is where people can connect with others and their environment. Play spaces that are inclusive and fun help our community to thrive.

Christchurch City Council is responsible for 400-plus play spaces across the city. These spaces include: playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, ball courts, green spaces, skate and scooter parks, bicycle skill areas, water play areas, and natural areas.

We need to review this large network and develop a plan to ensure that we are getting the best out of all our play spaces. The plan that we are developing will focus primarily on play spaces within Council parks.

We want our community to have access to diverse play experiences that encourage creativity, curiosity, and well-being.


Our play spaces vision

Our play spaces ignite joy, foster learning and development, and cultivate wellbeing

Our play spaces are vibrant hubs of inclusivity and physical activity, sparking curiosity and fostering connections among people of all ages and abilities. They bring people together to explore, discover, and play in safe, welcoming, and stimulating settings.


Why do we need a plan?

  • We've heard from the community that they have is a strong desire for access to parks and recreation opportunities close to home, particularly for less mobile people and children.
  • There is inequity of provision across the city and the plan will help us to address these gaps.
  • Demand for positive recreation for youth – places for youth to ‘hang out’ and experience play opportunities appropriate for them.
  • Dissatisfaction with the sameness of parks. Community desire for more variety to cater for different preferences, abilities, and ages.
  • Demand for more wild and natural environments for play and natural character.

Key issues to be addressed

Three levels of play spaces in Ōtautahi

  • Local play spaces

    Local play spaces are placed at key locations in residential neighborhood's and are designed for at least one age group. They are usually within a 500-meter walk in city areas. These play spaces are important for the community, making it easy for people to visit briefly and helping neighbor's connect with each other.

  • Community play spaces

    Community play spaces are usually found next to sports fields and community centres. They have a wide range of equipment for different age groups and attract people from outside the immediate neighbourhood. These spaces often include additional play features like skate parks, bike skills areas, and ball courts. Enhanced accessibility and inclusive play are included.

  • Destination play spaces

    Destination play spaces offer unique experiences that draw visitors from across the city. People usually spend more time, enjoying a full day of activities and the surrounding environment. Accessibility and inclusivity play features are key aspects of these spaces.

    Additional amenities cater for increased number of users ie including car parking, picnic areas, accessible toilets, shade, seating, drinking fountains etc.

Fast facts - number of play spaces in Ōtautahi

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Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project? Contact us:

Email letstalk@ccc.govt.nz