Last updated June 2026
Jellie Park is a popular recreation and sport centre in the Burnside suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Located at 295 Ilam Road, it features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, group fitness classes, hydroslides, and grassy areas suitable for picnics and play. The centre serves families, swimmers, and fitness users year-round when open. Note that Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre is currently closed for scheduled maintenance, renewal and strengthening work that began in April 2026.
Practical Information
| Address | 295 Ilam Road, Burnside, Christchurch |
| Status | Closed for maintenance (April 2026 onward); outdoor pools and gym planned to reopen November 2026, indoor pools in first quarter of 2027 |
| Key facilities | Indoor 25 m pools, outdoor 50 m pool, hydroslides, dive well, gym, group fitness, Learn to Swim lessons, BBQs (free to hire), grassy areas |
| Original land donation | 26 acres (approximately 10.5 hectares) by James Jellie |
| Official opening | 24 September 1960 |
| Website | recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/jellie-park |
About Jellie Park
Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre occupies land originally donated to the people of Christchurch by James Jellie. Born in 1889 in the Grey Valley, Jellie purchased the property after moving to Christchurch in 1917 and later gifted it for public recreational use. The park officially opened on 24 September 1960.
The centre combines aquatic facilities with fitness and outdoor spaces. Indoor pools operate year-round when open and include recreation and sport pools, a toddlers pool, teach pool, spa, sauna and steam room. Outdoor summer pools typically include a 50 m recreation pool with beach area, a dive well with springboards, and hydroslides.
Grassy areas around the facility provide space for picnics and informal play. Free BBQ hire is available during the summer season when the outdoor pools operate. The site also supports Learn to Swim programmes and a range of group fitness classes.
Christchurch City Council manages the centre through its Recreation and Sport team. Current maintenance work includes renewal and earthquake strengthening, with services temporarily relocated where possible to the adjacent Jellie Park Fitness Centre.
Swimming and Aquatic Facilities
When operational, Jellie Park offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools. The indoor complex includes two 25 m pools (one recreation depth and one sport depth), a toddlers pool, and a teach pool. Additional amenities include a spa pool, sauna and steam room.
Outdoor summer facilities typically feature a seven-lane 50 m recreation pool with a beach entry area, a three-metre-deep dive well with one-metre and three-metre springboards, and two speed chutes plus a twister hydroslide. These outdoor pools normally open in mid-November and close at the end of March.
Learn to Swim lessons for various ages and abilities are offered when the pools are open. Lane availability and timetables are published on the council recreation website.
Picnic Areas, Play and Outdoor Recreation
Extensive grassy areas surround the pools and buildings, providing space for picnics and relaxation. Free BBQ hire is available for visitors during the summer outdoor pool season.
Play equipment and open space cater to children and families. The combination of water play, grassed areas and picnic facilities makes the site a popular destination for day outings when open.
Fitness and Community Activities
A fully equipped gym and a programme of group fitness classes operate when the centre is open. Classes include a variety of formats suitable for different fitness levels and interests.
The facility supports community use through Learn to Swim programmes, school holiday activities and casual recreation. Sports fields and open space also accommodate informal games and local groups.
Accessibility and Access
The centre provides accessible parking and facilities designed to accommodate visitors of varying abilities. Public transport options serve the Ilam Road area.
Clear signage assists navigation around pools, changing areas and outdoor spaces. Visitors should check the official website for the latest updates on reopening dates and any temporary access arrangements during the maintenance period.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently praise the variety of pools, the fun hydroslides and the spacious grassy areas ideal for family picnics and play. Many appreciate the combination of indoor and outdoor options and note that the facility suits both serious lap swimmers and families with young children.
Reviewers often mention the clean facilities, friendly staff and convenient location. Some comment that peak times can be busy and that checking lane availability or slide opening times in advance is helpful. The outdoor BBQ areas and playground spaces receive positive feedback for family gatherings.
Where to Learn More
Christchurch Recreation and Sport: Official page with current status, pool details, opening hours and booking information.
Jellie Park Maintenance Closure: Details on the current closure timeline and relocated services.
Peeling Back History: Historical account of the land donation and park opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Jellie Park?
The centre is closed for scheduled maintenance, renewal and strengthening work that began in April 2026. Outdoor pools and gym facilities are planned to reopen in November 2026, with indoor pools expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Where is Jellie Park located?
It is at 295 Ilam Road in the Burnside suburb of Christchurch.
What swimming facilities does Jellie Park offer?
When open, it provides indoor 25 m pools, an outdoor 50 m pool, a dive well, toddlers and teach pools, a spa, sauna, steam room and hydroslides.
Are there picnic and BBQ facilities?
Yes, grassy areas are available for picnics and BBQs can be hired free of charge during the summer outdoor pool season.
Does Jellie Park have a gym and fitness classes?
Yes, a fully equipped gym and a range of group fitness classes are available when the centre is operational.
Is Jellie Park suitable for families with young children?
The facility includes toddlers pools, splash areas, playground space and Learn to Swim lessons, making it popular with families.
How can I check the latest information?
Visit the official Christchurch Recreation and Sport website at recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/jellie-park for updates on reopening and services.
Who donated the land for Jellie Park?
James Jellie donated the original 26 acres of land that became the park.
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