Wallaceville Reserve Development Project

• Project typeNew development
• Contractor nameVarious contractors
• Completion Date16 May 2025

Welcome to the Wallaceville Reserve Development project page.

This page seeks to provide you with the latest updates on the project’s progress, upcoming steps, and how this development aligns with Upper Hutt City Council’s goals as outlined in the Long-Term Plan. It will serve as a central resource for the Wallaceville Reserve development, keeping you informed on key developments and ensuring transparency throughout the project.

Project Overview

The Wallaceville Reserve Development is part of Upper Hutt City Council's ongoing commitment to improving community spaces and recreational facilities for all residents.

This project is in line with the Council’s Long-Term Plan, particularly focusing on one of our goals to enhance public spaces and community well-being (Goal: strengthening our community and environment).

FIRST STAGE COMPLETED

The first stage of the Reserve's development is already complete. You may have noticed some of the following features while out and about in the area:

• walking tracks and bridges, including play bridges;
• seating to take in the beautiful nature views;
• litter bins to keep the area tidy and for everyone to enjoy; and
• two new signs to show the area's new name: Wallaceville Reserve.

PHASE TWO: ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND AND PLAY FEATURES UNDERWAY

The new adventure playground has now been installed, offering an exciting space for children and families to explore and enjoy. The careful design of the structure with its graduated challenges ensures children can safely “take risks” as they play and explore their capabilities in natural, outdoor space. The playground also features play logs and feature rocks, creating a natural play environment that blends into the reserve's surroundings. The safety surfacing is currently being installed, ensuring that the area is safe and accessible for all users.

This playground is a great addition to the area, giving families a dedicated, fun, and secure place to spend time together outdoors.

PHASE THREE: PUMP TRACK UPDATE

Following recent concerns, the existing pump track and the improvised jumps that have been added will be removed in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, there is potential for a new, purpose-built pump track to be established in a different location within the reserve, pending further consultation with the community.

As part of our sustainable approach, we’re reusing the soil from the playground excavation to create a seating mound next to the play area. This will avoid removal costs and create a pleasant and inviting space.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

MAGNIFICENT TŌTARA TREES IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS PROJECT

The magnificent tōtara trees will be at the forefront of this project. This means that we will let nature take over a bit in the Reserve. The grass around the base of some of the tōtara trees will remain unmown to help protect the trees and encourage wildlife. Some other trees will have mulch applied around the base to help protect these specimen trees for future generations.

The combination of the beautiful stands of trees, nature-based amenities, and play features will bring a wonderful addition to the subdivision, its residents, and our wider community.

COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This project is directly tied to the Council’s Long-Term Plan and supports the following goals:

Strengthening our community and environment: By enhancing public spaces, the project directly contributes to creating a stronger sense of community and better access to recreational areas.

Improving accessibility to community services: Providing a safe, well-designed playground and recreational space that everyone can access.

Supporting sustainable growth: The reuse of materials and cost-effective planning ensure that we are building responsibly and sustainably for the long term.

STAY INFORMED

We encourage all residents to stay connected and engaged as the Wallaceville Reserve Development Project progresses.

Updates will be posted here, as well as through other official communication channels, including social media and the news page on Upper Hutt City Council website.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to contact our Open Spaces and Facilities team