Rāwhiti Domain, in New Brighton, has been long overdue for a revamp. Work has recently begun in the many different areas of the park. The upgrade is set to be a hit with the community that's still recovering from the earthquakes.
The work is set to be completed in sections, once landscape assessment and plans have been made to ensure the areas are safe.
The Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board have taken the public into consideration. They shared the proposed plans regarding the domain with the residents in the area earlier this year.
Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board Chairperson, Kim Money, said the community was excited about the upgrades.
"They're very tired of having to fight for things, so when these sorts of things come along where the community rally together to put forward a proposal, it's very exciting."
Money said the residents have been very involved in the process of upgrading the park.
At the entrance of the domain, off of Keyes Road, several dying and vulnerable pine trees have been removed due to health and safety issues.
After talking to the community, the board decided to redecorate the area, with the walkway into the domain now to be lined with floral trees.
Five winter flowering and eighteen spring flowering cherry trees, and two walnut trees will be planted by the entrance of the walkway into the domain. Five flowering almond trees are to be planted by the substation, and five tōtara trees near the existing native planting.
Additionally, volunteer group Guardians of Rāwhiti Domain are planning to build a natural play area, which is currently undergoing safety assessments.
Rāwhiti Domain is part of a large area of land that was originally set aside for tree planting and recreational domains in 1899.