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Enjoying the District’s Parks

SATURDAY SPORT TAKES PLACE IN SOME OF OUR PARKS

Parks for all to enjoy

New Plymouth District has more than 1,200ha of parks. With commonsense and consideration for others, our parks and open spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.

For any lost property enquiries and reports of wilful damage, contact the police in the first instance, then us.

Looking after our parks

You play an important role in helping to look after our parks. We can’t be everywhere at once, so please report any dumped rubbish, dirty toilets or damage to plants, trees, playgrounds, seats and picnic tables to us on 06-759 6060 or by using the online contact us form.

Please put your rubbish in the bins, if provided – or better still, take it home for recycling.

Note: Rubbish is collected daily and toilets are cleaned daily in all our parks.

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Keeping safe in our parks

Some walking and running trails are quite isolated from residential areas and are not well used so we recommend you run or walk with others and always stick to the designated paths.
Lock your cars, padlock your bikes and keep an eye on any personal belongings. We can’t guarantee everyone in the parks is as trustworthy as you.
Rivers run through many of our parks, and beaches are often nearby, so please take care around the water. At the district’s beaches it is very important to swim only between the flags and when lifeguards are on duty during summer. When lifeguards aren't on duty, don't swim.

Access

Access is always considered when developing or modifying walkways and parks, however, typography, terrain and vehicle exclusion does not always facilitate access for those who are in wheelchairs, with young children or using strollers, etc. Please contact us for access advice for individual parks and walkways.

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What you can’t do in our parks

To help keep everyone safe in our parks there are a few things you are not allowed to do. These include:

Playing golf
There is a total golf ban in Merrilands Domain, Pukekura Park, Sanders Park, Western Park and Jubilee Park. In Clifton Park you are able to hit golf balls only in one direction. In other areas you may play with consideration to other park users, neighbouring property owners and park property. Please check the signs in each park to be sure.

Mountain bike riding
In general, mountain bike riding is not allowed in our parks; however, recreational bike riding is permitted on the Coastal Walkway and in some parks. Please check the signs in each park to be sure and always ride with consideration for other park users. There are extensive mountain bike tracks at Lake Mangamahoe.

Dog walking
In many of our parks, playground and beaches, dogs are banned or able to be walked only if they are on a leash. Please refer to the bylaws for more information.

Camping
Camping is not permitted in the district’s parks and on our beaches. However, the district is well-served with motor camps. There are motor camps on council-owned land in Onaero, Urenui and Oakura, and in Fitzroy and Belt Rd in New Plymouth.

Open fires
Open fires are not permitted in any of the district’s parks or beaches, however, you are welcome to use the barbecue facilities where provided.

Taking plants
Please do not remove any plants or cuttings from the parks. We are happy to provide the names of plants for you.

Rubbish
Please do not dump rubbish in our parks.

Smokefree

The council endorses smokefree parks, playgrounds, sport grounds and walkways.