In this section

  • Aircraft/Drones

    About the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems on, above, or crossing council land.

  • Dog Parks

    The Foster Park Dog Exercise Area in Rolleston township allows dog owners to exercise their dogs off-leash in a safe and secure environment.

  • Foster Park
  • Recreation and lakes

    recreation reserves and information on other places to enjoy in Selwyn's great outdoors

  • Land Exchanges

    A list of any land exchanges currently under review

  • Plans & Policies
  • Playgrounds

    Information about Council play spaces including playgrounds, community parks (including skate facilities), flying foxes and their locations

  • Reserves & Sportsgrounds

    Information about Council Reserves and Sportsgrounds and their location

  • Planning an event

    If you are planning an event or activity in a Selwyn Park or Reserve you will need a permit. Download the event planning guide, find information about funding, marquee use and venue hire.

  • Skate parks
  • District Park
  • Reserves upgrades

    Infrastructure upgrades to parks and reserves

The Council's Open Spaces Unit works with local communities and management committees to manage the publicly-owned open space areas in Selwyn District.

Rhododendron walkThese areas include sports grounds, children's playgrounds, picnic and barbecue areas, camping spots, gardens, scenic areas and places where plants, animals and aspects of our historical and cultural heritage can be protected and displayed for future generations. For information on any of these areas please follow the link to the left.

Open space forms an integral part of the District’s aesthetic, social, ecological, cultural and economic life. The purpose of the Open Spaces Strategy is to set the direction for provision of an open space network that will meet the District’s needs for the next 30 years.

The Council has a smokefree policy and we request that people do not smoke in public outdoor areas, like playgrounds, parks and sports grounds, and at Council supported events. This policy is in place so that everyone can enjoy public spaces and public events in a smokefree environment and to provide good role modelling of smokefree behaviour to children.

Trial self-build bike areas

What is this?

Selwyn District Council is trialing three temporary self-build bike areas where local rangatahi/young people can help build informal bike tracks and jumps in suitable reserve locations.

Why are we doing this?

We have heard from the community that there is a desire for young people to have places to ride and be creative. We have also seen evidence of digging in a number of reserves across the district.

Unauthorised digging and building jumps are not suitable in many reserves because it can affect trees and vegetation, drainage and flood management areas, neighbouring properties, and the safety of other reserve users. This trial is intended to channel that creativity into more appropriate locations.

Where are we doing this?

The three trial locations are:

  • Rhodes Park, Tai Tapu
  • Rosemerryn, Lincoln
  • Leeston Park

These areas were selected based on a range of considerations, including proximity to existing play spaces and amenities, and safe distances from busy roads, boundary fences, flood management zones, and nearby homes.

The spaces will be temporary and monitored by Council staff. Using temporary bike jumps means they can be removed quickly and at a lower cost if issues arise. If the trial is successful, Council may consider similar spaces in other suitable locations across Selwyn.

We welcome questions and feedback from residents. Please email reserves@selwyn.govt.nz

Freedom Camping Report

Special functions

If you wish to use one of our reserves for a function, such as a wedding, we need your request in writing.

You can contact the Council or email sportsgroundbookings@selwyn.govt.nz directly.

Policy on Memorial Seats [PDF, 101 KB] in Reserves and Public Spaces