Parks Week 2024: Three landscape architects discuss Christchurch parks and open spaces

Kylie Boivin, Hamish Cochrane and Nancy Vance live and work in Ōtautahi Christchurch; and share their perspective on how they use the city's many parks and public spaces.

Have you worked on any parks-related projects, either here at Boffa Miskell or in a previous role?

Kylie Boivin: Yes, definitely. I think most landscape architects are involved in the parks space at some stage in their career. For me, I began working at Christchurch City Council as a graduate and most of my projects were related to parks, playgrounds and recreation spaces. There are a few memorable ones that stood out for me: Millbrook Reserve was one of my first projects, and it was where my parents had their wedding photos. Another favourite was designing a playground on Clifton Hill, which I visit with my three kids all the time because there’s a flying fox!

Hamish Cochrane: Recently I've been working on Matatiki Hornby Centre, where we're integrating a Library and Pool facility into the pre-existing Kyle Park space. Our approach there is about enriching the park's functionality by proving new spaces and promoting sustainable modes of transportation to and from the park. And Christchurch is gaining some new urban park spaces – Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, for example.

Nancy Vance: In a previous role I was involved with the Ōtakaro Avon River Corridor in the Residential Red Zone in Central Christchurch. This land was badly damaged in the 2010-2011 earthquakes and over 5000 houses were demolished. The Regeneration Plan focused on creating a restored natural environment, and strengthening connections between people, the river and the land. It's a special place, with significant cultural and natural history, right in the heart of Christchurch.

How do you use the parks and open spaces in Christchurch?

Nancy: I am grateful to have the best of both worlds – living on Banks Peninsula I enjoy the natural native bush and coastal beaches for swimming and walking, and working in Central Christchurch where a brisk walk through the Botanic Gardens or along the Ōtakaro Avon River Corrridor is a pleasure at lunch or for ‘walking meetings’. And the best part is these two opportunities are linked by public transport and only a short ferry and bus ride apart.

Hamish: For me, it's either cycling or walking our dog, Frankie. Having a range of different open spaces to enjoy on any given day is one of the major benefits Christchurch has to offer. There’s always something different to do, something new to explore. From the stunning tracks through the Port Hills, to the beautiful botanic gardens, the urban parks of the Ōtākaro River Corridor and all the local neighbourhood parks and open spaces.

Kylie: You can’t talk about parks in Christchurch without mentioning Hagley Park — it is such a fantastic asset for our city. We go to concerts in the Park, go to the cricket and run around Hagley in lunch hour. It’s iconic and has something for most people in Christchurch.

What’s your favourite spot, and why?

Hamish: Hagley Park is very special — I cycle through the park every day on the way to and from work, and the range of activities people are engaged with at all times of the day is so exciting. Groups of runners and cyclists, people playing sport, family picnics, organised sports competitions and special events. It’s an incredible park to have right in the centre of the city.

Nancy: Within its boundaries Purau Reserve is a humble dated play structure within a large patch of lawn. Beyond its boundaries it sings. This is my favourite park as its location is intentional — it wasn’t a leftover corner. It has pride of place facing the beach of Purau Bay, it is centred in the residential community, it shares a boundary with a stream and, in this strategic location, is the heart of the community.

Kylie: Margaret Mahy Playground would have to be a highlight – it has become a huge draw card for families coming into the City, so in that respect, post-earthquake, it has certainly met its aims. I love it because its such a cool playground – and also gives our family a reason to come into the City and we’ll often go to Riverside Market too, make a day of it. In Christchurch we are very fortunate that there has been such a focus, after the earthquakes, on diversifying what’s on offer and drawing families in!

If you could change anything about the parks and open spaces in Christchurch, what would it be?

Kylie: I have seen the value of catering to young people and children in Christchurch City since the earthquake. I think it has made the City feel safer, livelier and more for everyone. So I would hope that aspect is kept in mind when developing parks and open spaces. And I’d love to see the playground in Hagley Park upgraded — it's been the same since I was a kid. 

Hamish: If there's one enhancement I would advocate for our parks, it's a concerted effort to bolster canopy coverage. Boffa Miskell has been working with Christchurch City Council on their Urban Forest Plan, which aims to grow canopy coverage in the city over the next 50 years.

Large, mature trees provide settings for relaxation and recreation but also foster local biodiversity, attracting diverse birdlife and enhancing ecological resilience and filtering out air pollutants. Perhaps most significantly, they act as natural coolants, effectively tempering local temperatures and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. By embracing this we not only improve our open spaces, but we also protect them and our communities against the effects of climate change through fostering sustainable and resilient open spaces.

Nancy: I'm encouraged that that landscape architects and stormwater engineers are starting to take a holistic approach to open space design and the management of stormwater and flood risk; we need to encourage more of this thinking in the design and planning of our parks and open spaces.

Climate change and increasing sea levels are impacting the way cities develop and these open spaces have an important role in detaining and filtering stormwater, permitting slow infiltration to ground to reduce runoff, and encouraging water space interconnectivity. In addition, we need to work on how these places are experienced and can become an integral part of the community fabric.