Rich Landscapes was engaged by Dunedin City Council to conduct a comprehensive audit of eleven public skateparks across the city and surrounding suburbs. This project supported council planning as part of their long-term investment strategy and funding priorities for wheeled play infrastructure.
Scope of Work
Our team undertook in-person assessments of each skatepark, evaluating current condition, design functionality, user safety, and relevance to modern skatepark standards. The audits were tailored to assist the council in identifying high-priority renewal needs and future capital development opportunities.
Skateparks Audited
- Thomas Burns Skatepark
- Mornington Skatepark
- Fairfield Recreation Reserve Skatepark
- Kew Reserve Skatepark
- Mosgiel Memorial Gardens Skatepark
- Mosgiel Memorial Park Skate Ramps
- Brockville Park Skate Ramp
- Corstorphine Park Skatepark
- Middlemarch A&P Showgrounds Skatepark
- Port Chalmers Centennial Skatepark
- Ralph Ham Skatepark
Key Outcomes
- Clear Picture of Citywide Asset Condition
Each site was evaluated using a consistent methodology, assessing factors such as surface quality, structural integrity, flow, safety, and user diversity. Many facilities were found to have aged significantly, lacking fundamental elements or presenting hazards that reduced skate value.
- Design Suitability & Community Insight
Parks that lacked use typically suffered from poor layouts or dated construction methods. Dunedin’s vibrant skate culture, particularly among university-age and older users, informed recommendations that would support both youth engagement and broader community use.
- Prioritised Renewal Pathways
Each facility was assigned a skate value and renewal value, supported by photographic evidence, site diagrams, and costed recommendations. The audits enabled council to prioritise urgent health and safety concerns, while also planning larger upgrades aligned with community aspirations.
- Support for Long-Term Planning
The final report directly informed Dunedin’s 10-year funding strategy for public recreational assets. Recommendations included complete redesigns for key city parks such as Thomas Burns and Mornington, as well as consolidation strategies and relocations for underused or poorly located assets.
Project Value
This audit provided a foundation for long-term improvements to Dunedin’s wheeled play network — helping ensure safe, inclusive, and future-proofed skateparks across the region.
