Risk Assessment Artificial Water Features in Reserves
This report is intended as a follow up to our previous report; Artificial Water Features in Recreation Reserves dated 2 August 2023. The original report looked to investigate industry guidelines and/or best-practice standards and methods used for managing safe public access to artificial water features in recreation reserves. This report delves little deeper and looks […]
Whangārei Aquatic Centre Asset Management Practices Review
Xyst supported Smartz in its review of the pool that is operated by Sport Northland and CLM, by providing the asset management element of the project. The Review was commissioned by Whangārei District Council (WDC) with support from Sport Northland, and in liaison with Community Leisure Management (CLM). The review was not a formal full-service […]
Wayfinding Signage Installations
Xyst was commissioned by the Mackenzie District Council to project manage the installation of new park, public space, and wayfinding signage throughout the Mackenzie District. As a starting point, our team conducted an inventory of all existing park signage and subsequently prioritised the refurbishment of areas with higher use. Throughout this project, our team collaborated […]
Ashburton District Tree Inventory
Xyst collected tree data on all of Ashburton District Council’s (ADC) street and park trees including GPS location, species, maturity, condition and potential risk features. We used a data collection tool developed by ADC that enabled us to upload tree data directly into the Council’s GIS system. Data collection took place over several visits timed […]
Parks & Facilities Asset Management Plan
Xyst revisited and enhanced the Mackenzie District Council’s Parks Facilities & Public Places Asset Management Plan (AMP). This involved a thorough review, incorporating new data gathered over the past three years. Importantly, the insights derived from the Council’s AMP played a pivotal role in shaping both the capital and operational budgets within the Council’s Long […]
Central Otago Parks and Recreation Activity Management Plan
Xyst undertook an update of the Parks and Recreation Activity Management for the 2024-34 LTP. This work including updating information relating to: land and asset data; population and growth projections; burial interments and swimming pool usage. Updated Yardstick analysis and performance metrics. Meet with client to review and updated operational and asset management practices and […]
Waipā Development Levels of Service
As a result of gap’s identified in the preparation of Waipa’s Asset Management Plans, Xyst was engaged to prepare a parks hierarchy detailed development levels of service.
Waipā Parks, Cemetery and Public Toilets Asset Management Plans
Xyst worked with Council staff to update the information in the Parks, Cemetery and Toilets Asset Management Plans to inform the 2024 Long Term Plan.
Asset Management Plan Peer Review
Xyst undertook a peer review of the Bay Venues Limited Asset Management Plan (2024-2027) structure and approach and provided an insight as to whether it meets best practice, identifying areas which are positive or which could be considered for improvement.
Timaru Parks and Cemeteries Asset Management Plan
Xyst reviewed the existing plans and updated them with current information to inform the 2021 Long Term Plan.
Woollahra open space data capture, condition assessment and valuation
Xyst provided up to date and complete open space asset collection with GPS locations and condition grading. We established a schedule of replacement rates and useful lives and completed a valuation report for accounting purposes.
Recreation and Property AMP’s for Waitaki District
Xyst worked with the the Waitaki District Council to update the Recreation (Parks and facilities) Activity Management Plan. We developed the new (first) Activity Management Plan for the Property Activity.
Open Space Embellishment Costing
Developed an open space hierarchy and typical development level of service description on which to base cost estimates for development contributions evaluation. Developed cost estimates based on benchmarking valuation information and prepared worked examples to provide a range of typical development costs for each park type.
Asset Management Plan
Project included asset management maturity assessment, development of levels of service framework and risk assessment
Open Space Valuation Methodology
Xyst were tasked with researching current industry practice with regard to the application of variable asset lives (and values where appropriate) that reflect the needs of sites with different levels of service – in particular those open space sites that have very high levels of utilisation and expectations associated with high-profile inner-city metro areas. The […]
Parks Service Unit Operational Review
Xyst worked closely with the unit to better understand the current state of their functions and services, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the current team resourced to deliver them. Also we worked to better understand the outputs and outcomes which Council and the community require from Council’s parks, open spaces and public facilities, and […]
Anita Quibell
I am a parks professional with 40 years’ experience in the industry and a proven record of building strong relationships and implementing strategies that deliver results. I have worked extensively in Australia’s local government in various operational and planning roles. I have been involved in the development of strategic plans and the implementation of business […]
Margaret Mahy Playground Maintenance Plan
Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the Government’s Recovery Plan had a “city-wide family playground” as one of the elements of the East Frame. Xyst were engaged to prepare a comprehensive maintenance plan that captured warranty information and maintenance requirements for all items of play equipment and life cycle replacement timing and costs for surfacing, lighting […]
Andy Smith
I have over 30 years local government experience, holding a range of positions within community development, open space, recreation and sport and community assets portfolios. I was instrumental in developing the first Open Space and Sport Plan for the newly formed City of Onkaparinga in 1998 and for the last 25 years I have been […]
Sports Lighting Review
Nelson City has over 350 sports lights across the city. Xyst reviewed its 2018 condition assessment and gathered further information on the ownership and operation of sports lights and provided a prioritised programme for replacement and upgrading along with advice on the use of smart controls for ease of use by clubs.
Ashburton Parks Asset Condition Rating and Maintenance Mapping
The Ashburton Open Space maintenance team provides in-house maintenance of the parks and open spaces across the Ashburton District. As the maintenance work has never been outsourced there has not been a pressing need to quantify the amount of assets maintained by the team. Xyst prepared a pilot project which had three phases. Phase 1 […]
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 has been prepared for every trail and this will include a complete assessment of all aspects of trail provision including visitor experience, current and recommended grade, accessibility, CPTED, hazards and […]
Property and Facilities Activity Management Plan review
Xyst provided an at-a-glance review of the asset management plan as the first stage of Council’s plan rewrite. We prepared a report that lists suggested improvements in a table and will include issues, comments and suggestions for each AMP section. It remained at a high level and did not attempt to address or rewrite any […]
Reserves and Facilities Asset Management Plan Improvement Support
The project for WBOPDC was driven by the need to better structure and streamline the AMP sections, to align the sections to the adopted LTP and levels of service outcomes agreed by Council and the community. It also encompassed the outcome to better consider and explain demand, particularly the relationship of population growth to reserves […]
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 Park. We completed 32 counts at each of the locations. At the Boat Ramp carparking areas, we undertook an observational count of vehicles/boats/boat trailers. The points to be counted were: […]
Community Experience Group Organisational Structure Review
Xyst undertook a review for Whakatāne District Council, looking at areas of the business that have the potential for positive change. Three types of change have been considered: 1. Process – any process changes to better benefit staff and the community. 2. Responsibility – role definition and allocating responsibility where there appears to be a […]
Asset Condition and Data Assessment of Parks Assets
Xyst collected asset information on the parks portfolio of assets. The portfolio is spread over 75 parks, reserves and cemeteries across the South Waikato district in Tokoroa, Putararu, Tirau, Arapuni and other rural locations.
Training Facilitation
Xyst Canada has worked with NAMS Canada to provide asset management training across the county. This training provides a certificate in asset management planning and is recognized by the IPWEA. This project has seen thousands of participants receive their certificate and learn asset management topics such as: levels of service, risk management, demand management and […]
Lakeland District for Sports, Culture and Recreation AMP
Xyst Canada worked with Lakeland District of Sports, Culture and Recreation to mentor and complete six organization asset management plans. The plans were focused on recreation assets and included ice rinks, recreation facilities and sportsfield assets. This project identified risks, developed levels of service, created a governance structure and developed an extensive improvement plan.
Memorial Headstone Safety Audit
The intent of the audit by Xyst was to inspect memorial headstones for stability/soundness and identify any headstones that may present a risk to cemetery visitors and staff. To provide some context, in July 2000 a six-year-old child died as a result of a collapsed headstone in a UK cemetery. UK Councils responded by increasing […]
Public Toilet Strategy
Public toilets are important community facilities for residents and visitors to maintain a safe, healthy, clean and tidy city. This Strategy considers facility provision, distribution, condition, usage, design elements, levels of service, operations and maintenance, future growth and future costs. Xyst provided robust data, information and evidence to inform an implementation plan to be used […]
Parks renewals forecast and budget submission
In order to prepare a budget forecast and prepare a supporting narrative for the submission, Xyst conducted an analysis of July 2021 asset data and condition summary (inspections completed April 2021) to consider the renewal requirement.
Asset Management Saskatchewan Asset Management Training
Working with Asset Management Saskatchewan (AMSK) Xyst Canada Ltd. delivered in-person and virtual training. Topics included: – Levels of service – Risk – Long term financial planning – Demand management – Lifecycle financial planning
Street Tree Data Collection
Identified each street by botanical name and common name and recored the trees stage of life, condition, issues such as located under power wires and what if any deferred maintenance was required. Each tree was photographed and plotted in to GIS Cloud ready for transfer to the clients GIS system.
Peace Avenue Trees
Xyst undertook a survey of 500 historic trees planted at the turn of the century in and around Fairlie and Kimbell towns. The trees had received little care for many years and some recent failures had alerted Council to issues ahead if no maintenance or inspections were completed. The trees were all inspected, condition and […]
Asset Management Plans for The City of Cold Lake, Alberta
Manage and support internal staff during each phase of creating an asset management plan for the 4 main lines of service – Water, Sanitary, Water Delivery and Roads. Mentoring staff during each phase of developing the plan – identify asset categories, collect relevant financial data, identify risks, develop levels of service, create a governance structure, […]
Asset Management Policy for the Village of Cumberland, B.C.
The Council wanted a broad-based policy that captured natural and constructed assets, recognized the relationships with adjacent private and First Nations landowners, comprehensive to include employees and private contractors, and written in plain language.
Facility Risk Assessment
New management at Council were concerned about the condition and risk of a number of community facilities and asset and invited Xyst to promptly assist
Parks & Facilities Management
Xyst was brought on board after a thorough risk and performance evaluation of the Mackenzie District Council’s parks and community facilities operations. Xyst was then asked to fill a sudden staff management gap, which quickly evolved into a long-term commitment to manage the District’s public facilities, parks, and community spaces. Throughout this period, Xyst’s team […]
Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Community Facilities Operations and Maintenance Contract
Xyst undertook a comprehensive procurement process for the development of a new maintenance contract covering the entire district. This included specification writing, GIS asset and contract mapping, contract writing, procurement plan, ROI and RFP preparation and evaluation. Xyst also assisted with contractor handover and contract management in the first year of the contract.
Asset Condition Assessment & Valuation
Xyst was engaged to undertake Asset Collection work on behalf of the Mackenzie District Council, where we used a mobile GIS data collection tool to populate asset data throughout the district’s parks, facilities and trails. This asset information was then used to develop a renewal plan and valuation. This information has also been populated onto […]
Open space contract quality audits and asset management condition inspections
The City of Whittlesea maintains 2,173 sites within its municipal boundaries where individual assets are located to be audited. All assets are inspected across the full range of park categories and measured for compliance with the relevant KPIs and outcomes detailed in the parks services contract, acting impartially and without bias. In any given month […]
Park CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and Accessibility Assessment Report
Xyst visited four parks, completed full walkovers, took critical measurements and images of areas and spoke to park users as well as completing background research prior to preparing site assessment report and recommendations for improvements.
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. It wishes to provide streets that are attractive and town centres which are visually appealing and inviting, to complement the network of parks and open spaces ranging from urban to […]
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 reserve. Although some work on vegetation had been carried out, there had been little ongoing height management particularly in the areas identified as “retained/managed bush”. An itemised programme of works […]
Waikato Tree Inventory data collection
Using a mobile data collection tool (GIS Cloud) Xyst collected data about the identity, age, condition, location and maintenance requirements of every Council tree in the Waikato District. Data (including images) is collected in the field and uploaded to a cloud-based database from where it can be exported in various formats for import directly into […]
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 public toilet complete with photos and an overall performance score. Each toilet was assessed for: • Facility description (materials, gender configuration, location) • Condition (floors, walls, ceiling, fixtures, roof – […]
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 risk assessment and response for all parks and identified specific risks and prepared appropriate responses where these could be identified at individual parks. The plan included actions around trees where […]
Child Care Centre Playground Performance Assessment
Key findings of the performance assessments, accompanied by some high level analytical commentary was completed, with each playground assigned an overall performance assessment score. Analysis included site design, play value, quantity of play items, equipment condition, safety surface condition and an assessment of remaining life of the asset.
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 the users’ perspective. Recommendations to retain, change or assign (where none previously existed) service classifications for each park were made.
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 assessment tool over a range of factors including community integration, inclusiveness, diversity, regeneration, maintenance and opportunity. An individual scored report was prepared for each site as well as a comprehensive […]
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 assist the Council to determine the current and future needs for shade within the facilities, and objective recommendations were made based on results and findings of the audits.
Botanic Gardens Staff Resourcing Review
Xyst provided an independent review of staffing resourcing to help the Parks and Open spaces department to determine appropriate resources and a structure for the Botanic Gardens in the future. There was only enough staff to perform basic maintenance of the gardens so Xyst carried out a benchmarking analysis to assess how other Botanic Gardens […]
Botanic Garden Education Program
Xyst analysed the current education program that Geelong Botanic Gardens was using and created an issues and opportunities report. The report identified a number of issues and opportunities, fundamentally identifying a lack of strategic direction for the program. It was recognised that a business plan was needed to address many of the key issues. The […]
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 assessment to be made of location, play value and ancillary facilities to produce an overall percentage score for each playground, ranking each playground to enable priorities to be identified objectively […]
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 overview for 17 different sport and recreation activities. To support the analysis, we met with different sport and recreation clubs across the district to understand utilisation of their current facilities, […]
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 compliance with relevant lighting standards. A detailed GIS database was established, and a report containing suggestions for enhancement was prepared.
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 design guidelines for the playground design and build Procurement of contractors for playground removal (including evaluation) Procurement of a playground design and build contractor (including evaluation) Drafting of contracts Comms […]
Parks User Survey
Visitors’ expectations for levels of service are measured by asking them to rate the importance of various park features. The results are compared with visitor satisfaction for the same features. Measuring this satisfaction gives an indication of performance of levels of service against their expectations. The difference between importance and satisfaction gives a measure of […]
Open Spaces and Tree Management Market and Service Delivery Assessment
Xyst worked with City of Melbourne staff to develop an understanding of how the current delivery model is performing and, importantly, what changes are recommended to meet the City of Melbourne’s future requirements. Xyst carried out interviews with staff and service providers; questionnaires and data from Yardstick were all used to provide the City of […]
Open Space Asset Management Plan 2021
Xyst was approached by Mount Alexander Shire Council to develop an Asset Management Plan to formally document the management approach applied to parks services and assets. This long-term planning approach was considered necessary given the large capital and operating expenditure expected. The developed AMP covers a 10-year timeframe and its main focus was in determining […]
Valuation of Land Improvement Assets for Financial Reporting Purposes
Xyst was engaged by Council to undertake a valuation of specified Land Improvement Assets. These standards were valued on the basis of Fair Value and being in accordance with Australian and International Accounting Standards. This valuation covered living assets only (soil and plants/turf) such as street gardens or grassed areas within sports parks. A useful […]
Valuation of Parks Assets for Financial Reporting Purposes
Xyst was engaged by Council to undertake a valuation of specified Land Improvement Assets. These standards were valued on the basis of Fair Value and being in accordance with Australian and International Accounting Standards. This valuation covered assets such as signs, bins, synthetic sports fields, playgrounds and others. Xyst then undertook a field-based asset inventory […]
Open Space Asset Data Verification and Condition Inspection Program
Inspection of roughly 5,000 open space and sports field assets to provide GIS spatial location, and asset condition. The project included improving the accuracy of existing GIS data to within 5 metres. Also, confirming assets on the register are present onsite, identifying assets removed and/or missing from the register and providing a photo for each […]
Reserves and Facilities Asset Management Plan Peer Review Proposal
Reviewed and scored each section based on IIMM 2016, IPWEA Parks Practice Notes and the Local Government Act 2002
Charlotte Blakey
With over 15 years combined experience in natural resource management and arboriculture, I have been involved in a variety of projects within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. This includes the development of asset management plans, program management and implementation, development of policies and procedures, provision of technical advice, collection and analysis of field data, […]
Stephanie Adams
My role is mainly undertaking parks user surveys using the Yardstick Parks Survey tool for local government clients. My training and experience is in the area of performance in musical theatre so I’m well versed in communication skills. I have a passion for the outdoors and the public parks of Melbourne especially. I’ve developed strong communication […]
Eykolina Benny
As a consultant, I am involved with a mixture of parks planning, asset management, capital works delivery and programme management projects for councils. My role often requires a high degree of meaningful consultation and engagement with the public and key stakeholders. I am supporting the Yardstick Parks Surveys project while also providing GIS support for […]
Karl Nesbitt
I have over 30 years’ experience in the horticulture, parks and open spaces, community facilities and customer service sectors. I have been involved in contract management, business development and quality assurance programs such as Yardstick. You can contact me for help with Project management Asset management Environmental landscape Open space development Cemeteries and crematoria Community, […]
Mark Bruhn
I have worked in local government in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, more recently overseeing the governance structure, stakeholder engagement and staff leadership within a primary health network. I bring a strong service delivery and customer relationship focus having worked closely with governance groups, elected members, tangata whenua, funding agencies and community networks. You can […]
Scott Whelan
I put my all into every opportunity and am always open to learning. I am involved in parks audits for Xyst and its associated Yardstick benchmarking program, assessing park assets, conditions and maintenance requirements. I have a passion for gardening and landscaping, enjoying the opportunity to be in the great outdoors and engaging with our […]
Nick Redenbach
The key parts of my role include auditing parks, asset inspections and usage, assessing residential impact, and community and stakeholder engagement. There are many complexities to consider while inspecting and auditing assets. The most important is safety. Then we consider cost, usage, residential impacts, practicality and quality. All of these factors need careful examination to […]
Asset Management
Having accurate information about assets allows you to make practical, workable decisions about maintaining and developing community spaces
Mark Smith
As a senior consultant, I am able to support clients in many ways with my specialities in asset management, procurement, maintenance contract options, service reviews and project management support. My experience allows me to be flexible in the options I provide for client support. I take a pragmatic and diligent approach to client queries, and […]
Anne Relling
To assist councils and other agencies, I work with them to complete strategic and asset planning to help meet the recreational and open space needs of their communities. I also undertake project management on behalf of councils to implement actions identified in their long-term plans. It’s important to understand every client’s needs. That’s why we […]
Alison Rawley
My key responsibility is project management of the Yardstick suite of benchmarking tools. This involves regular updates to the online tools on the Yardstick website, development of new survey and benchmark projects for clients, technical support, data analysis and reporting. It also involves liaison with partner industry organisations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand and […]
Eric Hamilton
I support councils to develop clear policy and guidelines for managing public activities on public land. I do this by supporting council officers to manage natural and built assets, ensuring they are maintained and managed in a sustainable manner. This support includes helping council staff to grow and broaden their knowledge to manage people, activities, […]
Chris Rutherford
I founded Xyst in 2002 and since then we have grown the company to the scale it is today. Currently I manage the Australian branch from Melbourne, focusing on identifying opportunities for our company to work with like-minded clients and interact with our wonderful team around projects, opportunities, training and challenges. I endeavour to provide […]
Brian Milne
My specialist field of expertise is asset management. I also provide planning and operational support to local government clients, allowing them to complete the parks and recreational projects that enhance our community well-being. Managing assets is a challenge faced by every council and local government body, which is why I oversee the development and delivery […]
Paul Wilson
My primary role is to manage the team at Xyst’s Napier office and to assist our other consultants to bring innovative, best practice solutions for our clients. I have deep knowledge across the key areas of Xyst’s services and share it for our collective benefit. I’m the go-to guy for technical issues and problem solving. I […]