Donovan Park Masterplan

Developing Themes

The first stage of engagement is complete. We had lots of useful feedback from individuals and organisations about what was important to them about Donovan Park, for now and the future. A summary of feedback is available under Documents.

There are four themes about what is important which have emerged through information gathering during the pre-engagement phase.

Connections and access

• Includes active transport, trails and tracks, disabled access.
• The connectivity between each of the reserves across the city, specifically North/ South.

Ecology and Natural Spaces – Water quality/interaction

• Includes play, cultivation, blue and green networks, wetland and trees.
• Can incorporate arts, heritage and culture.

Tourism, destination and visitor experience

• Includes whānau centric/family values.
• Includes improved amenities and facilities.
• Can incorporate arts, heritage and culture.

Active Recreation

• Includes play and informal recreation.
• Sports fields and associated facilities promoting multi-use (hub).

These themes will be used to guide the next stage of the Masterplan process, which includes testing the following visions for the future of Donovan Park:

• celebrating unique natural character
• promoting open space network
• rationalising land use

About Donovan Park

Donovan Park is an important link in the City’s parks systems. Covering over 79 hectares of land, the reserve contributes significantly to the open green space of the City. Visitors to the reserve can experience its unique rural characteristics. The park provides a significant Link from Thomsons Bush through to Anderson Park along the North/South orientation.

It is used formally by sports and recreation clubs (Waikiwi Rugby Club), community groups (Bainfield Gardens and Spirit Army Charitable Trust) and other entities (Te Tapu o Tane, Glenrae Parks Ltd (Crafty Restaurant) and Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association).

Key areas of interest include:

1. Recreation Area
2. Farm
3. Sports Fields and Clubrooms
4. Crafty Restaurant
5. Potential areas for private land development
6. Nursery and partnership with Te Tapu o Tane

Donovan Park is also visited informally by City residents for walking, running, cycling and casual sport and recreation.

Purpose of the Masterplan

Master planning creates a ‘big picture’ vision to meet future needs within a community or local landscape.

The purpose of the Donovan Park masterplan project is to establish a long-term plan (30-50 years) for future park use, asset renewal and development, and help guide future funding decisions. Once approved, it will inform the development of the next Donovan Park Management Plan.

A range of technical and background information will be collated and reviewed to help form the basis of master planning decisions, including economic analysis and carbon sequestration opportunities.