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 […]
Playground Performance Assessment Summary Report
A total of 214 playground performance assessments were conducted in 2019 in the Toowoomba Regional Council. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated key attributes of each playground, including site description, site location, overall play values, ancillary […]
South East Queensland Water Playground Performance Assessment
Xyst staff undertook 17 playground assessments in 2019. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: Site description Location Overall play values Ancillary facilities Asset information Judgements on individual play space […]
Play Strategy
Xyst was commissioned to develop a Play Strategy for the Mackenzie District Council, the region has a modest population of around 8000 residents but welcomes over 1 million guests nights annually. Given these unique demographics, a meticulous approach to play asset provision is essential. The strategy commenced with a comprehensive review, delving into existing levels […]
Wingicarribee Playground Strategy
Xyst undertook a playground performance assessment, developed levels of service, prepared a draft strategy and assessed consultation feedback. We then finalised the Playground Strategy and Renewal Plan.
Playground Performance Assessment
Undertook site-based performance assessment of all South East Queensland Water Playgrounds and provided a summary report and planning recommendations.
Playground Performance Assessment
Xyst conducted performance assessments and an inspection of each site. Data was captured utilising hand-held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: Site description Site location Overall play values Ancillary facilities Asset information Judgements for future […]
Playground Performance Assessment
Performance assessments were conducted on the regions 125 playgrounds. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: – Site description – Site location – Overall play values – Ancillary facilities – […]
Play Strategy
Xyst prepared a play strategy to set out the approach to the future provision of playgrounds across the region. The methodology and outputs included: performance assessment of all playgrounds to prioritise renewal planning levels of service hierarchy to guide the design for future development work. analysis of demographics and future needs. detailed 10 year costed […]
Playground Maintenance Plan
Xyst developed a playground maintenance plan the new Park Island playground. The maintenance plan all play equipment details, maintenance requirements and captured warranties and supplier contact details. An i-Auditor template was developed to eliminate paper and allow maintenance checks to be undertaken via a mobile phone. All information can then be stored in one place […]
Matawai Reserve Concept Plan Development
Xyst engaged with Council and community stakeholders, including the school and tamariki/rangitahi, local working group, and hapū, to develop the concept to help in future planning. Features included a court renewal, an extended playground with flying fox, a nature play area, barbeque, seating and shelter, parking development, a perimeter trail around the junior cricket oval […]
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 […]
Playground Maintenance Plan
Xyst developed a playground maintenance plan for all of Napier City Council’s playgrounds based on each playgrounds level of service. Maintenance plans also took into consideration warranties and supplier contact details. I-Auditor templates were developed to eliminate paper and allow maintenance checks to be undertaken via a mobile phone. All information is stored in one […]
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 […]
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 […]
Contract Performance Auditing
Nelson City Council engaged Xyst to carry out contract performance auditing. Xyst has developed an inspection template using a mobile app that allows performance against a set of performance measures from contract specifications to be scored from 1 to 5 and to produce an overall percentage score for each location. Activities audited include grass maintenance, […]
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 a range of parks related services and features. The product was initially called Parkcheck and is still known as this by some users. The surveys were taken online in 2015 […]
Play Strategy Review
Xyst worked with the client to transition them from a traditional Playground Strategy to a Play Strategy. The Strategy analysed the current state of Napier’s playgrounds, introduced play beyond playgrounds, youth facilities and touched on outdoor exercise equipment and splash pads. Five key outcomes underpin this Strategy.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
Playground Performance Assessment
Xyst was engaged by Mount Alexander Shire Council to undertake a performance assessment of its playgrounds. Playground performance assessments were then conducted over 24 sites. Data was captured into an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated many key attributes of each playground, eg places to sit/socialise. This data […]
Westshore Beach Playground Maintenance Plan
We developed a comprehensive playground maintenance plan, for Napier City Council, which captures detail on all playground items such as technical names, suppliers, maintenance inspections and actions required, warranties and much more. The document supports playground maintenance staff as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the playground and ensures information is not lost, post development. We then developed […]
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 […]
Nicki Malone
I am a highly experienced open space and local government professional, with more than 15 years’ experience in open space planning, including reserve management, master and concept planning, capital work programme development, project planning and management and community engagement. I have experience in developing relationships and partnering with mana whenua. You can contact me for […]
Jenn Benden
As a Director, my focus at Xyst is across parks and recreation consulting, business development, managing staff, and strategic direction. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, have lived and worked in Australia, and now live in New Zealand. My specialist areas are strategic planning for parks, sport and community facilities, as well as project management […]
Play Spaces
From redevelopments to new builds, our children need safe, fun play spaces to get them outside for fresh air and exercise
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 […]
Tom O'Neill
Since starting with Xyst, I have worked alongside council to fill the role of Parks, Facilities and Customer Service Officer. This role manages the day-to-day operations of the council’s cemeteries, parks, pools, halls and associated community services. I’m also involved in planning and auditing these services to ensure their quality is maintained. Where possible, I […]
Elise Young
I am passionate about our sector and making a difference. I always produce work to the best of my ability and take the client on the journey with me. I like to positively challenge thinking and the way things have always been done to continually seek better solutions. My role involves working with a variety […]
Jane Wright
As a consultant with Xyst, I help local government and other agencies plan and deliver parks and recreation benefits for their local communities. This involves supporting clients with a broad range of knowledge and practical skills associated with open spaces and facilities. In any project, I aim to build strong relationships that help to inspire […]
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 […]