No event parking in Hagley Park over summer

People heading to concerts and festivals in Hagley Park over the summer will have to look beyond the park’s boundaries for parking.

In recent years Christchurch City Council has allowed people attending major events in Hagley Park to park their cars on the sports fields near the Carlton Mill corner.

But that practice is being stopped because of the damage being caused by cars driving across Hagley Park and because the Council needs to upgrade the sports fields so they are safe and suitable for community sport.

“As guardians of Hagley Park we have a responsibility to protect the grounds and the heritage trees so we’ve taken the decision to no longer allow public parking within the park, except, of course, in the designated carparks,’’ said Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge.

“This will prevent any further damage occurring to the grass and tree roots and also allow us to do the work necessary to upgrade the condition of the sports fields.’’

In another move to stop cars causing damage to Hagley Park, chains and bollards have been installed around the berms in Little Hagley Park so people cannot park there illegally.

Council Head of Events Richard Attwood said there were a number of parking areas within easy walking distance of North Hagley Park that people attending events over the summer could use.

“We’ve got a busy summer of events ahead, starting with Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (external link)on Saturday night. If you are heading into Hagley Park for an event, leave home a little bit earlier than usual to allow more time to find a parking space,’’ Mr Attwood said.

More information about parking around Hagley Park can be found on the Transport for Christchurch website (external link).

© Scoop Media