Christchurch City Council’s Parks Unit has started early public engagement on a Play Space Network Plan, with community members encouraged to complete a survey regarding the way they use these spaces.

The Council has responsibility for 400-plus play spaces, some of which are aging and requiring improvements. The Play Space Plan will allow the Council to assess demand on existing facilities and to plan for future growth.

Play spaces include parks, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, ball courts, cycle, skate and scooter parks, water play and natural areas.

Head of Parks Rupert Bool says the Play Space Plan will review the Council’s large network of play assets.

“We really want to encourage the community to share their thoughts on the play spaces they use, and to tell us what they want. This feedback will assist us to work out where we have may have gaps in what we provide and help to inform the draft plan,” he said.

“We know there is community desire for access to parks and recreation opportunities that are close to home, particularly for less mobile people and children. This plan aims to close those gaps.”

Mr Bool says the Council aims to ensure the play spaces network is inclusive, resilient to climate change and environmentally and financially sustainable.

Alongside the survey, workshops will be held to gather feedback from key community members including organisations that advocate for play.

The information gathered from the survey and workshops will inform the draft Play Spaces Network Plan which will be shared with the Council later this year.

After Council approval of the draft plan, further public consultation will take place early in 2025.

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.

The 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.

We invite you to share how you and your whānau use play spaces across Ōtautahi Christchurch. Your feedback is important to us. Please click the button below to begin the survey.