We’re updating the Reserve Management Plan for the Richmond Ward and want your quick input on several key local reserves. Your feedback will help shape the final plan.

• Read the summary document with more details about each reserve

We’ve drafted a concept plan to transform Paton Reserve into a destination park on the edge of Richmond, giving visitors a taste of rural life. The vision includes walking among orchards, picnicking, enjoying outdoor concerts in a natural amphitheatre, and relaxing at a future café or food carts. An accessible loop track would link car parks, picnic areas, a lookout, and a potential playground, with seating along the way. Stormwater retention ponds and wetland features are also proposed to enhance the natural setting.

Currently, the only vehicle access is via Paton Road, but the plan explores adding new access from Cupola Crescent or a future road, with car parks on each side and an internal link road that could become one-way. Some facilities, like the main car park and café/play area, might be built later as access is improved. We’d love your feedback on these ideas and what features you’d most like to see at Paton Reserve.

• View detailed concept plans

We’re developing long-term plans for parks and reserves in Berryfields/The Meadows and want to hear from you!

These quick polls focus on Central Park, Camberley, Lampton, and Chertsey Reserves. Choose the areas you care about most — it only takes a few minutes to help shape the future of these spaces.

• View concept plans and further info about each of these reserves
• Read more about all our current Reserve Management Plan reviews.

Camberley Reserve – Village Green Gathering Space

We're proposing a relaxed, community-focused design for Camberley Reserve — with a central lawn, picnic areas, trees, and natural play features. Here's what we want to know:

Lampton Reserve – Active Play and Social Space

Lampton Reserve could become a hub for active play — with a basketball court, cinema wall, accessible playground, and picnic zone.

Chertsey Reserve – A Quiet, Natural Retreat

We’re proposing a quieter reserve at Chertsey — with trees, a small playground, a circular lawn, and spots to sit and relax.

Have your Say: Baigents Bush Scenic Reserve

Baigents Bush Scenic Reserve is located on Pigeon Valley Road, across the river from Wakefield Recreation Reserve.

We’ve developed a concept plan and draft management policies for the reserve — and we want to know what you think.

• Read the draft management policies in the draft Reserve Management Plan (RMP) section

Do you support the proposed direction? Are there changes you’d like to see?

Future options for Owen River Recreation Reserve

This scenic riverside spot near the Owen and Buller/Kawatiri Rivers has long been a popular (if remote) place for campers, kayakers and rafters.

The reserve currently offers basic campground facilities including toilets, showers, picnic tables, and an open-sided shelter. These services are managed under contract by the owners of the neighbouring Owen River Tavern — but their property is up for sale, and future management is uncertain.

We’d like your feedback on three options for how the reserve could be managed in future.

Background in Brief

• The reserve is Crown land, managed in trust by Tasman District Council for recreation purposes.
• It’s accessed via a gravel road beside the Owen River Tavern, with legal easements in place.
• The campground includes a small ablution block, water supply, and basic shelter — all of which require maintenance and regulatory compliance.
• Council currently pays for grass mowing and water testing, with the tavern owners collecting camping fees and cleaning the toilets.
• Future management needs to be reviewed, especially if the tavern is sold.

Potential future management options

Option 1 – Improve and promote the campground

Council works to increase the profile and use of the reserve by engaging a campground manager and adding highway signage. The current services (ablution block, potable water, shelter, etc.) would remain.

Option 2 – Self-contained campers only, no services

Council manages the reserve as a no-frills stopover for self-contained vehicles only. The ablution block would be removed, and toilets, showers, and drinking water would no longer be provided (similar to Wai-iti Recreation Reserve).

Option 3 – DOC takes back management

Council applies to DOC to remove its management responsibilities. If DOC takes over, it is likely the campground would be closed and camping prohibited. Vehicle access to the river for kayakers and rafters would remain.

You can also have your say on other reserves in Lakes-Murchison Ward:

• View the Draft Reserve Management Plan and make a submission by 16 June 2025.