Newlands Area Parks & Reserves
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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.
Contact us if you'd like to be posted a higher resolution map.
Lyndfield lane park & play area upgrade
The upgrade of this park was completed in June 2012 and included:
- creating a new track linking with the grassy lookout / knoll
- introducing some new fruit and nut trees
- removing hazardous pine trees
- improving entrances to the park from Lyndfield Lane and Black Rock Road
- upgrading the playground.
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 (466KB 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