Open Space Planning
We create amazing parks and outdoor spaces. To achieve this, it all begins with a plan. To meet the needs of a community, our planning has to account for the long term, considering people’s needs now and how they will use the space in years to come. We have to plan for every detail, right down to who will maintain the grass.
We undertake planning development projects of any scale, drawing on the vast experience of our team in local government parks management and operation, and resource management planning.
From specific strategies to reserve management plans and overarching open space strategy, we produce planning documents you can implement within the local government political environment, and use to action the necessary tasks on the ground.
Our goal is always to provide you with practical, achievable solutions so you can get the job done.
if we can help you deliver a project
Our expertise
- Open Space Strategies
- Park and Open Space Master Plans
- Reserve Management Plans
- Policy Development
- Observation Studies
- Intercept Surveys
- Performance Assessments
- Benchmarking
Related Team
Related Projects
Contract Management and Contract Auditing
Xyst worked with client to improve contract management practices supported by quality audit inspections.
Waipa District Council – Sports Lighting Assessment
Xyst conducted an evaluation of 372 sports lights in the Waipa District by physically visiting each location to appraise the lights’ condition and evaluate their
Minor review of Tapuaeharuru Bay Lakeshore Reserves Management Plan
In 2020 Taupo District Council received a proposal from Taupō Moana Group Holdings Limited (TGMHL) to develop the Hole in One site it occupies on
Moyne Shire – Open Space & Street Furniture Guidelines
Xyst were engaged to develop guidelines to be used to support existing Council policies and strategies and act as a compendium to the strategy. These
Port Pirie Regional Council – Landfill Revegetation Programme and Maintenance Plan 2014
Xyst developed a landfill revegetation programme for Port Pirie Regional Council, along with a maintenance plan developed to assist the Council when undertaking the physical
Hawea Historical Park Draft Co-Management Plan
Hawea Historical Park (the ‘Park’) is co-owned through a 50/50 partnership between mana whenua of the hapū Ngāti Hawea, Ngāti Hori, and Ngāti Hinemoa who
Auckland City Council – Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan submission analysis
Xyst was engaged by Auckland Council to analyse feedback on the draft Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan. This plan was the first of
Nelson City Council – Low Herbicide Weed Control Trial Study
Nelson City Council has received several requests from members of the public who have requested that pesticides aren’t used in Council’s parks and reserves. In
Hamilton City Council – Taitua Arboretum Development Plan
25 years on from the gifting of the Taitua Arboretum to the people of Hamilton City and 50 years on from the first tree plantings,
Outback Communities Authority – Copley Community Open Space Concept Plan
Copley is located in the outback and its community park lacks shade, has old playground equipment and a tennis court. The Authority wanted the park
Nillumbik Shire Council – Bushland & Wetland Reserves Prioritisation & Planning
Xyst produced the document to help Council produce a more strategic and consistent process to ensure bushland and wetland reserves are managed for their long-term
City of Kalamunda – Parks and Service Review
Xyst was brought in to undertake a service review of the Parks and Environment section based on a Council resolution of November 2018. We reviewed
Macedon Ranges Shire Council – Open Space Strategy
Xyst’s audit identified the need to review and update the Council’s existing Open Space Strategy (2013) to provide a structured and consistent approach that will
Ashburton District Council – Recreation Facilities Utilisation Study
The Xyst team undertook an assessment of the sport and recreation facilities across the Ashburton District, providing key provisions including a gap analysis and trend
City of Greater Geelong – Play Strategy Review and Open Space Quality Assessments report
Xyst undertook park quality performance assessments on all City of Greater Geelong owned or managed community parks and other open space types. We were also
Matamata Piako District Council – Hetana Street Reserve Classification
Xyst reviewed the background of the proposal and commissioned a land status report and an arborist assessment. We advised Council on the process and prepared
Napier City Council – Westshore Playground Renewal – Scoping and Procurement for Design and Build
Key aspects of the project included: Scope development following community consultation Assessment of exisiting play structures Arrangement of site survey and consenting investigations Development of
Riverside Park – Consideration of park asset re-establishment
Xyst developed a report taking into consideration the affected park assets, CPTED, implications on the flow of the surrounding park and recommendation for relocation of
City of Darebin – Parks Performance Assessments
The purpose of the parks performance assessment was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each park, from a multi-faceted holistic perspective, and particularly from
Wellington City Council – Open Space Quality Assessments
As part of the development of a new open space investment strategy for Wellington City, Xyst visited 131 parks and assessed each using our quality
City of Darebin – Shade Audit of Open Spaces
Xyst provided a qualitative assessment of existing shade throughout the network and completed a current condition assessment for structural shade infrastructure. Analysis was provided to
City of Darebin – Playground Performance Assessment
Undertook an assessment of each playground using the Playable Space Assessment Tool, Play England 2009, which has been adapted by Xyst. The tool enabled an
Howie Park Concept Plan
Xyst undertook consultation with key stakeholders and the community to understand how the park was used and to identify key issues and opportunities to enhance
Waitaki Public Toilet Performance Assessment
To undertake this work for Waitaki District Council, Xyst used its public toilet performance assessment tool to provide an individual assessment and report for each
Waitaki Emergency Response and Contingency Plan
Waitaki District Council contracted Xyst to develop an Emergency Response and Contingency Plan for its parks and open spaces activity. The plan provided a generic
Whangarei Open Space review
The open space review included an inventory of all existing Open Space land within the Whangarei District and categorisation of the Open Space land using
Yarra Ranges Trail Survey
In early 2022 Yarra Ranges Council engaged Xyst to undertake a performance assessment of three shared use trails: the Lilydale Lake Trail, the Lilydale to
Street Gardens and Street Furniture Levels of Service
Matamata-Piako District Council engaged Xyst to define level of service statements and guidelines at a high level for provision and development of street gardens and
Yardstick Parks User Surveys
Yardstick Parks User Surveys were developed in around 2008 initially as a paper based intercept survey designed to target park users and measure satisfaction with
Bold Park User Satisfaction Review
Xyst completed a comprehensive engagement strategy involving user intercept surveys, obtaining feedback from non-park-users in surrounding areas, and a matching on-line survey to establish an
Port Pirie Regional Council Tree Strategy
Port Pirie wishes to be a region that has pride in, and appreciates the values of its trees within public parks, streets and open spaces.
Event Resource Consent
Xyst prepared a resource consent application for Gisborne District Council, including AEE for the events cross referenced against the requirements of Te Papa Tipu Taunaki
Community Facilities and Open Spaces Levels of Service Development
For Southland District Council, levels of service were prepared by Xyst for a range of assets within six activity areas: 1. Parks and Reserves (Open
Manapouri Foreshore Vegetation Management Plan
Southland District Council (SDC) was undertaking a review of the Manapouri Foreshore Reserve Management Plan (2003) which provided for height management of vegetation on the
Moyne Shire (VIC) Open Space and Street Furniture Guidelines
The Open Space and Street Furniture Guidelines is a suite of three resources: Practice Notes (this document) – 4 practice notes (people, place, environment, economy)
Yarra Ranges Council – Gender Impact Assessment, Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project
Yarra Ranges Council is committed to working towards a Yarra Ranges where everyone has equitable access to resources, power and opportunities. This commitment is documented
City of Melbourne Open Space and Tree Management Market and Service Delivery Assessment
City of Melbourne engaged Xyst to undertake a market and service delivery assessment and make recommendations on the best model for packaging the Open Space
Roto Kohatu Recreation Reserve Management Plan
Christchurch City Council engaged Xyst to assist on the Roto Kohatu Recreation Reserve Management Plan. Preliminary work on the preparation of a reserve management plan
East Cape Campground
Xyst prepared a concept plan to assist the Iwi Trust to develop the campground in a sustainable way, retaining the unique character of the site
Lion in the Meadow Sculpture Relocation Visualisation – Whakatāne District Council
Xyst worked with the Whakatāne District Council to gather images of the sculpture in its previous location and transposed this with additional landscape development to
Awakeri War Memorial Relocation Landscape Concept
Xyst prepared the landscape concept and provided a graphic illustration of a new brass replica of the roll of honour fixed to a memorial stone
Mataatua Historic Reserve Bollard Development Concept – Whakatāne District Council
Xyst provided a landscape concept, quantities and graphic visualisation for presentation to Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa.
Riverside Dog Exercise Park Development
Xyst managed the concept and assisted in detailed design, procured products (dog agility equipment, wheelchair access, dog drinking fountains, picnic table, bag dispenser) and construction
Mackenzie Basin visitor facilities
Xyst analysed visitor demand and the planned response of each agency involved in facility provision in the Mackenzie Basin. We identified capital and renewal spending
Options for Management of Camping in Central Otago
The Options Paper considered the current state analysis, additional data available from throughout New Zealand and the outputs from a multi-agency workshop to provide the
Latrobe City Community Gardens Guidelines
Council acknowledged that establishing a successful Community Garden requires strong and sustained commitment from community members to undertake considerable planning, collaboration and engagement for a
Bass Coast Tracks and Trails Strategy
This strategy identified 36 new trail opportunities to expand the trail network that has been identified during the development of this strategy, (emerging from background
Mackenzie District Parks and Facilities Management
Following a risk and performance review of the District’s parks and community facilities operations, Xyst was requested to step in at short notice to cover
Open Space Plan for Visitor Centre Park in the Town of Nanton, AB
The town wanted a park design to activate and invite residents and visitors to a vacant parcel of land that has been used as a
Coutts Island Concept Plan
Xyst undertook local community and key stakeholder engagement to identify needs and desires for the development of Coutts Island.
Swan Canning Riverpark (WA) Parks User Survey
Xyst measured visitor expectations of levels of service by asking them to rate the importance of various park features. These results were compared with visitor
Mangakino Reserve and Lakefront Development Plan
This popular area experiences significant pressure from different user groups. Users include casual recreational users who utilise the reserve for more passive recreational activities for
Woodlands Estate Reserve Management Plan
Xyst provided lead consultation on review of reserve management plan process for Woodlands Estate – an historic homestead and garden complex near Gordonton. As part
The Point & Kiingitanga – Reserve Management Plan
Waikato District Council engaged Xyst to undertake a review of the 20-year-old RMP, with the new plan focusing on significant cultural values of the area.
Section 32 Report for Waipā District Council Plan Change 26 Residential Zone Intensification
Waipā (Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi), Hamilton and its surrounds were categorised as a Tier 1 urban environment in the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply
Bothamley Park Trunk Sewer Upgrade Reserves Act Approvals
Kāinga Ora’s Eastern Porirua Regeneration Project required a major upgrade to the trunk sewer through Bothamley Park. The park is comprised of multiple parcels, is
Kapiti Open Space Strategy
Working closely with Kapiti Coast District Council and in partnership with iwi, Xyst developed a Strategy to safeguard and guide the provision of open space
Kiwirail land use options
The project considered opportunities for use of land that Council leases from KiwiRail. Xyst undertook desktop research and stakeholder consultation to inform potential future opportunities.
Milford Opportunities Project
Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most popular visitor attractions and iconic destinations in the world. 870,000 visitors went to Milford Sound Piopiotahi
Lake Rotorua Recreation Gap Analysis
Xyst was commissioned by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to provide a gap analysis of informal recreation provision in the Rotorua catchment. The analysis
Ruapehu District Council Track Asset Review
Undertook a detailed trail assessment of all Ruapehu District Council (RDC) managed trails using Xyst’s trail assessment system and against HB8630:2004. An individual assessment report
Tauranga City Council Boat Ramps Observational Study
Xyst undertook counts, using an observational count of vehicles across all boat ramps with the addition of a user count of park users at Marine
Eastern Porirua Reserves Spatial Plan
Eastern Porirua is going through a period of change as Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities (Kāinga Ora) redevelops large areas of its land to meet
Hauraki District Council Reserve Management Plan – Te Rautaki mō ngā Whenua tāpui
Hauraki District Council is responsible for managing a variety of parks and reserves across the Hauraki District covering 433 ha. Xyst developed a single reserve
Signs for Parks and Community Facilities
The Council has prepared a Brand Guide (2020) to create uniformity in the visual image of Mackenzie District Council. Xyst undertook an audit of Council