Rich Landscapes was commissioned by Auckland Council to undertake a wide-ranging audit of 21 skateparks located across the South and East Auckland regions. This strategic project supported the council in understanding the condition, safety, design relevance, and future potential of its skatepark assets as part of a broader asset renewal and planning process.

Scope of Work

Our team delivered comprehensive site assessments for each facility, including visual plans, photographic documentation, risk identification, and costed recommendations. Skateparks audited as part of this programme included a variety of formats — from small local bowls and ramps to larger regional parks — reflecting the diversity of environments across Franklin, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Howick, and Manurewa local boards.

Key Outcomes

• Condition and Safety Reporting
  Each skatepark was evaluated for surface integrity, structural issues (e.g. cracking, slab movement), drainage performance, and potential hazards.

• Design Relevance
  Many facilities, such as the Bledisloe Park Skate Bowl, were originally built in the 1980s–2000s and were found to lack fundamental elements required for modern wheeled play — particularly for younger users and scooters.

• User Suitability & Passive Surveillance
  Locations were assessed for visibility, access, and suitability for a range of users. Several confined or hidden sites were flagged for their limited passive surveillance and opportunity for revitalisation.

• Renewal & Upgrade Pathways
  Recommendations included phased refurbishment, the introduction of safer, modern elements, improved drainage, and where appropriate, full replacement planning. Each audit included a renewal priority rating and estimated costs to guide council budget planning.

• Format Compatibility
  We worked closely with Auckland Council to align our reporting with existing asset management systems and regional templates, ensuring a smooth integration into the council’s wider planning processes.

Project Value

This audit programme enabled Auckland Council to make informed, prioritised decisions about where to invest in its skatepark network. It also helped highlight opportunities for future redevelopment that could support improved accessibility, youth engagement, and safety across the region.

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