Friends of MacFarlane Park

MacFarlane Park has been the much loved green spine of the Shirley neighbourhood since 1946 when it was created as part of state housing development of the "Emmett block". Today it is a thriving  community space which residents feel ownership and guardianship of, and work closely with Christchurch City Council to keep it current and well maintained. Below is a description of the three sections of the park, what is happening in them and ideas we have heard from locals about further development they'd like to happen.


Northern MacFarlane Park (Acheson Ave to Emmett St)

 

Existing features:

·  Sports fields used for rugby league in winter and touch rugby in summer

·  Children’s playground

·  Basketball court

·  MacFarlane Park Centre

·  Toilets (need upgrade)

Proposed features:

·      Wildflower plantings (CCC)

·      Extension of footpath to create full loop around northern park for walking, running, bikes, scooter

·      Exercise equipment

·      BBQ/picnic area, seats, rubbish bin, additional bike parking

 

Middle MacFarlane Park (Jebson St to Acheson Ave)

 

Existing features:

·  Birdsong Trail (native plantings)

 

Proposed features:

·      Nature play area

·      Celebrate the wetland origins of the land

Southern MacFarlane Park (Riselaw St to Jebson St)

 

Existing features:

·  MacFarlane Park Community Garden with pergola, picnic table, public toilets

·  Murals

·  Slackline Park (repurposed flying fox play area)

 

Proposed features:

·      Food growing hub

·      BBQ area

·      Mud kitchen

·      Wildflower plantings (CCC)

·      Loose parts play pod

·      Children’s Little Library

·      Bike stand