Four-Star Garden of Significance
Ashburton Domain achieved a Four-Star Garden of Significance award in 2025
Open Spaces in the Ashburton District
The draft strategy defines open spaces as the following;
“Council managed or owned areas of land or water that is accessible to the public and set aside primarily for amenity, recreation, nature conservation, reflection or enjoyment for people in the district.”
(For the purpose of this strategy, it excludes buildings and, swimming pools, but includes cemeteries, public conveniences and playgrounds located in open spaces.)
Council manages around 429 hectares of open spaces across the district. These include parks, reserves, sports fields, lakes, walkways, cycleways, civic spaces, cemeteries, and public toilets. This network also features over 137 open spaces that offer a wide range of recreation and nature-based opportunities.
In the draft strategy, Ashburton District’s parks and open spaces are grouped into following eight categories. These categories help explain the main purpose and key features of each type of space, and they guide how we plan for and look after them in the future.
| Category | Example of Locations |
| 1. Civic Space |
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| 2. Cultural Heritage |
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| 3. Nature |
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| 4. Neighbourhood |
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| 5. Outdoor Adventure |
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| 6. Public Garden |
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| 7. Recreational and Ecological Linkage |
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| 8. Sport and Recreation |
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What we have achieved so far?
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Reserve Management Plan 2024
Completion of an omnibus Reserve Management Plan in 2024 for all open spaces across the district.
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Recreation Facility Utilisation Study 2023
Completion of the Recreation Facility Utilisation Study in 2023, which identifies current and future growth trends to support better planning.
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Ashburton Domain Development Plan 2020
Completion of Ashburton Domain Development Plan in 2020 that’s outlines how Ashburton domain will be developed and enhanced over the next 30 years.
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Annual Resident Survey
A review of the last ten years of Annual Reports shows consistently high satisfaction with;
- 95% of residents happy with Council‑provided parks and open spaces,
- 97% satisfied with cemeteries,
- 97% satisfied with the Ashburton Domain, and
- 93% satisfied with playgrounds.
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Open Spaces Strategy 2016
Progressing major projects from the 2016 strategy, including the completion and opening of Ng King Brothers Market Garden Settlement and new walking links along Mill Creek
Indigenous planting at reserves like Taylors Stream and Bowyers Stream strengthening ecological connections and enhanced rural character.
How has this strategy been prepared?
This strategy builds on the 2016 Open Spaces Strategy and reflects what our community has told us over the past ten years through the Annual Resident Survey. Is also draws on feedback gathered during consultations for other Council plans, including:
- Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy 2025
- Reserve Management Plan 2024,
- Biodiversity Strategy 2024,
- Play, Active Recreation and Sport Strategy 2022,
- Ashburton Domain Development Plan 2020,
- Walking and Cycling Strategy 2020, and
- Long Term and Annual Plans since 2016
opportunities across all types of open spaces.
From all this feedback and analysis, we have identified following as community preferences:
- Improved accessibility and inclusion across the open spaces
- Restoring and protect our natural environment by enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.
- Strengthening community identity by reflecting local heritage and culture in our open spaces.
- Improving walking and cycling connections to create a well‑linked network across the district.
- Providing safe, modern, and diverse play spaces for children and young people.
- Ensuring all communities have fair access to quality open spaces across the district.
