Ecological and recreational development planned for OARC
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 6th May 2025
A popular park in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC) will be upgraded and expanded as restoration work continues in the former red zone.
Christchurch City Council is planning an ecological restoration for the land around Lake Kate Sheppard, while upgrading and expanding the neighbouring Bower Park recreational area.
Lake Kate Sheppard is an urban lake located in the red zone, south of QE2 Park.
This area subsided heavily in the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence - in some places up to one metre - and does not drain well.
Residential Red Zone Manager Dave Little says the resulting dampness has seen some parts revert naturally to wetlands.
The situation presented an opportunity for further ecological enhancement by supporting the natural processes underway.
“The site is of high ecological significance and its protection and enhancement will improve habitat, water quality, and biodiversity in a key OARC location,” he said.
The eastern shoreline of Lake Kate Sheppard is the largest spawning site of īnanga/whitebait in the OARC, and the area is a potentially valuable source for mahinga kai.
Mr Little said Council intends to expand on the area’s native wetlands, as well as recent planting work carried out by local schools and EcoAction Nursery Trust.
Old roads will also be removed, and walking, cycling and carpark access will be improved as part of the project.
A flooding and drainage strategy will be implemented in the area, as the wetland area is expected to extend over time due to sea level rise.
Work planned for Bower Park will see its size increased by about 50 per cent, as signalled in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan.
This will allow expansion of the playing fields to create two designated rugby fields for winter use, and four touch fields, one senior softball field, three junior softball fields and a cricket pitch for use in summer.
The playground will be renewed with new equipment that encourages children to engage with the environment via climbing, swinging and water play. A new modular toilet facility will replace the existing changing sheds that are subject to flooding.
Public consultation has opened on the project, with the community invited to view the interactive map of the plans and share their thoughts. Submissions and feedback closes on Monday 2nd June 2025.