GIS Mapping of Suburban Parks
Xyst carried out GIS mapping of 32 Suburban Parks within the Brimbank City Council area, identifying shapes and point locations of park asset categories. This mapping will support the councils performance-based approach to maintaining the parks.
Parks Operational Review
After consulting with Maribyrnong City Council’s management and operational staff, the Xyst team identified areas for improvement and operational excellence. Xyst conducted an audit of around 60 parks and open spaces to gather information on the current achievement of service levels. We also reviewed the existing asset information, financial budgets and carried out cost analysis […]
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 […]
Leamington Domain Masterplan
Xyst worked in partnership with mana whenua to undertake site analysis with key staff and lessees, a two-stage public engagement process and community board and council engagement. This provided a greater understanding of the key design outcomes and priorities for development. It also strengthened Council’s relationships with mana whenua, lessees and the community and their […]
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.
Open Space Level of Service Review
The outputs included: Review current Open Space category hierarchy and identify options for improvements Performance assessment of a range of parks across the municipality Undertake a user survey of a range of parks across the municipality Preparation of development levels of service for each of the Open Space Recreation Park categories (T1 – T5) including […]
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 […]
Cemetery Concept Plans and Capacity Analysis
Xyst undertook site analysis with key staff, an assessment of the statutory framework, a two-stage public engagement process, mana whenua engagement, and community board and council engagement in order to understand the cemetery network constraints and opportunities and to prepare and test concept plans and network priorities. Once completed, we analysed the plans to provide […]
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 […]
Service Planning for the future maintenance of parks and trees city wide
Workshop with client to identify strengths and weaknesses of current approach and consider alternative opportunities
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 housing demand and provide better community services to support growth. As part of this redevelopment the existing reserve network is being examined to determine whether it is fit for purpose […]
Hastings Library Strategy Consultation
Xyst undertook a multi-method consultation approach to reach all demographics of the Hastings community (including hard to reach demographics such as non-library users, the vulnerable, the rural community and youth). Opportunities were provided online, offline and face-to-face to provide equal opportunity. Consultation was undertaken over a 2-month period with 1,500 different voices heard.
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 included a stocktake of current outdoor recreational facilities within the local area and identified gaps for potential development opportunities that would fit with the creation of a new regional park. […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycle Trail survey 2020
The Xyst survey team collected a total of 200 intercept and online surveys over a period of a week that gave our client (Western Bay District Council) a much better idea of how the trail was being used, and the issues associated with its use. The survey was followed up with a summary report of […]
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 satisfaction for the same features. Measuring satisfaction gave an indication of performance as measured against expectations. The difference, or gap between importance and satisfaction, gave a measure of under or […]
Nelson Responsible Camping Research
Xyst designed a survey and undertook face-to face interviews with 193 campers located at the Camping Hub or free camping sites using preset questions developed by Xyst and NCC. Questions focused on the following six areas: 1. Demographics, origin and destination 2. Vehicle type and use of self-contained facilities 3. Use of accommodation other than […]
Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network Masterplan
In 2017 the Wellington Regional Trails Framework was endorsed by the partners who initiated it and contained in the framework is a key recommendation to develop the ‘Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network’ as a signature trail experience. We worked with TRC Tourism develop a masterplan including cost estimates that would enable each Council to progress […]
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 Management and Tree Management service contracts. The Xyst team gathered market intelligence on the current and potential service providers and considered the market in which they operate. We identified any […]
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.
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 […]
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 Warburton Rail Trail, and the Yarra Valley Trail. This was a follow-up to an earlier survey carried out in 2019. Performance assessments were conducted in March 2022 using the Yardstick […]
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 […]
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 overall satisfaction rating for the Park. In addition, gaps in service provision were identified and reported that would increase the overall satisfaction.
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.
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, […]
Parks User Survey
Xyst carried out surveys within various parks and reserves in the City of Greater Dandenong. These surveys recorded visitor expectations of levels of service and then compared them with the visitor satisfaction for the same levels of services. This measurement gives an indication of performance measured against expectations, along with an indication of under or […]
Performance Analysis Report and Improvement Plan
Xyst looked at the City of Karratha’s park information and management processes and compared these against other Australian organisations. These comparisons provided Xyst with information which helped guide the City of Karratha to make decisions surrounding areas of improvement.
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 […]
Staff Resource Benchmarking Exercise
Xyst used data from Yardstick to create benchmarking metrics to compare four other Victorian councils to Macedon Ranges. Using this data Xyst was able to provide recommendations to Macedon Ranges on modifying the Structure of the Open Space and Recreation Department going forward.
Performance Analysis Report and Improvement Plan
Xyst looked at the City of Joondalup’s park information and management processes and compared these against other Australian organisations. These comparisons provided Xyst with information which helped the City of Joondalup make decisions surrounding areas of improvement.
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 Kalamunda’s information with other Australian councils’ park provision, using Yardstick to produce a wide range of performance metrics to assess relative levels of service, performance and efficiency. We were also […]
Performance Analysis Report and Improvement Plan
Xyst looked at the City of Kingstons park information and management processes and compared these against other Australian organisations. These comparisons provided Xyst with information which helped guide the City of Kingston to make decisions surrounding areas of improvement.
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 […]
Park Observation Study
Xyst developed a methodology including a set of observation criteria. Merri-bek City Council used its own labour force to observe people in 230 parks and, combined with Xyst’s observation criteria, data surrounding park usage was developed. Xyst collated, analysed and presented this data to Merri-bek City Council.
Parks and Gardens Service Review
Xyst undertook a performance quality assessment of operations and maintenance standards across a sample of different parks categories with a geographic spread across the shire. This assessment enabled us to develop an overall result of 90% for parks within the Council’s authority. Following the assessment, key areas of improvement and success were identified. From this […]
Social Housing CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Assessment
Xyst conducted interviews with properties and stakeholder relationships staff, and inspected the site both at day time and night time to make site observations on aspects such as natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, lighting and maintenance. We also conducted crime analysis and investigated demographic data. A comprehensive list of recommendations were made to […]
Contract Management and Contract Auditing
Xyst was engaged to manage the Amenity Tree Maintenance Contract and Open Space Maintenance contract for the City of Port Phillip from May 2023 through to March 2024. This included providing a dedicated contract manager working within the City of Port Phillip on placement. Particular emphasis was focused on improving contractor performance, systems improvement, reviewing […]
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 […]
Aidan Perry
Since starting with Xyst, I have been involved with a mixture of tree and asset condition assessments, playground maintenance reports and cemetery reviews. These roles involve working on the ground to provide Council’s with up to date data on their open space areas. I have also been involved in working alongside council to fill the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Research
Along with Yardstick, our international benchmarking program for local government, if you need research to make good decisions, we can get it for you
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Julia Ross
I have recently joined Xyst and bring 15+ years of experience working within accounts and administration to the team. My role comprises working closely with our business manager on various accounting functions and compliance as well as Company payroll, Health and Safety and our Carbon Zero programme. You can contact me for help with Research […]
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 […]
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, […]
Annette Campion
I provide expertise and an in-depth understanding of planning for parks. I am engaged to undertake assessments of parks and recreation provision, analysis of park acquisitions and business cases for park development proposals. I am also the secretary of the Te Motu a Hiaroa (Puketutu Island) Management Trust which reflects a co-governance arrangement for a […]
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 […]
Dafydd Pettigrew
As a consultant, I have been involved with a mixture of parks planning, asset management, capital works delivery and programme management projects for councils, charitable trusts and Maori trusts. My role often requires a high degree of consultation and engagement with the public, key stakeholders and mana whenua. In any project, I work with people […]
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 […]