Showgrounds park and reserve get new names

One of Christchurch’s most prominent parks, which each year hosts the A&P Show, now has a plan to guide its future – and new names.

Christchurch City Council has agreed to call the area between Wigram and Hillmorton typically known as “the showgrounds” Canterbury Agricultural Park and the adjacent reserve and retention basin area has been named Nga Puna Wai. It also approved the management plan developed by staff in consultation with the community.

The vision for the combined Park area is for a similar level of accessibility and community value as that achieved for Hagley Park, to which it is second only in size within Christchurch’s urban area.

The original 147-hectare area has been reduced to 129 hectares to accommodate the construction of the Christchurch Southern Motorway, which is due for completion in 2013. In spite of this, the management plan has been able to accommodate all current uses.

The combined Park area has a diverse range of values and uses and is made up of sections with different City Plan zonings. There is a significant recreation and esplanade reserve area, the agricultural area, an important storm-water retention basin, and all is used extensively by walkers, horse riders and numerous sports groups. With the future development of suitable pathways, cycling and other non-motorised vehicle access will become increasingly important.

Nga Puna Wai and Canterbury Agricultural Park is in a growing residential area, and is expected to become an important open space for local residents, the wider community and visitors.