Last updated July 2026
Westburn Reserve Playground in Burnside, Christchurch, provides a dedicated space for families with children seeking outdoor play and learning opportunities. The reserve features a learn-to-ride track alongside standard playground equipment and sits near Burnside High School on Westburn Terrace. Christchurch City Council is currently renewing the play space, track, and toilet facilities to improve the site for future use. Flat paths support easy movement for strollers and wheelchairs, while picnic tables and parking add convenience for visitors. The location draws regular local use as a community recreation spot.
Practical Information
| Location | Westburn Terrace, Burnside, Christchurch |
| Key Features | Play equipment, learn-to-ride bike/scooter track, picnic tables, paths |
| Facilities | Toilets (being upgraded to unisex accessible), parking nearby |
| Status | Renewal of play space and track underway; some areas may be fenced during works |
| Accessibility | Flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers |
| Council | Christchurch City Council |
About Westburn Reserve
Westburn Reserve occupies a central position in the Burnside suburb of Christchurch. It serves as a neighbourhood park focused on children’s play and safe cycling practice. The site includes open grass areas and connecting paths that link to surrounding streets.
The reserve forms part of Christchurch’s network of local parks managed by the city council. Its placement near schools and residential streets makes it convenient for families in the area. Recent upgrades aim to refresh equipment and improve the learn-to-ride facility while maintaining existing trees.
Visitors typically use the space for short to medium stays involving play, picnics, and cycling practice. The combination of standard play structures and the dedicated track distinguishes it from many other neighbourhood reserves.
Play Equipment and Learn-to-Ride Track
The playground includes swings, slides, climbing structures, and a skate-style element as part of the current renewal. New installations feature an Orex climbing carousel, a 1.8-metre double wave slide, a swing set with standard, toddler, and shared seats, and a Trick Skate unit.
The learn-to-ride track provides a scaled-down road layout with markings for practising bike and scooter skills in a traffic-free environment. Council plans include renewing the track surface and layout to enhance usability and road-safety education. Bike and scooter stands are also being added.
Five new picnic tables support family gatherings around the play areas. The track and paths remain popular for scooters and bikes even during staged renewal works.
History of Burnside and the Reserve
Burnside takes its name from the small creeks, or burns, that form the headwaters of the Waimairi Stream. The suburb developed on land originally part of a large farm established by settler William Boag in the 1850s after his arrival in 1851. Boag’s homestead stood in the area now associated with Burnside Park.
As Christchurch grew, former farmland in Burnside transitioned to residential use. Public reserves such as Westburn Reserve were created to serve the expanding community. Council records show ongoing management of the site as a local park with play facilities.
The reserve’s development reflects broader council efforts to provide accessible recreation spaces in established suburbs. Its proximity to Burnside High School reinforces its role as a community gathering point.
Facilities and Accessibility
Flat, well-maintained paths allow easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility aids. Ample street parking supports arrivals by car. The existing toilet building is scheduled for replacement with a single unisex accessible facility in the same location.
Picnic tables and open spaces encourage longer visits and group activities. The council has sought community input on the renewal to ensure the upgrades meet local needs. No trees are planned for removal during the works.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the dedicated bike track as a safe place for children to practise riding and road rules before heading onto real streets. Parents note the mix of play equipment suits a range of ages and the open layout makes supervision straightforward.
Regular visitors mention the reserve feels welcoming for quick after-school stops or weekend outings. Some comment on the recent equipment upgrades improving the overall experience while the track renewal continues.
Where to Learn More
Christchurch City Council Let’s Talk page: Details on the current play space and learn-to-ride renewal project including proposed equipment.
Stats NZ Burnside place summary: Census data on population, demographics, and housing in the suburb.
Christchurch City Council parks pages: Information on park management and other reserves in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westburn Reserve Playground located?
It is on Westburn Terrace in the Burnside suburb of Christchurch, near Burnside High School.
What play equipment is available?
The site includes swings, slides, climbing structures such as an Orex carousel, a double wave slide, and a Trick Skate unit as part of recent upgrades.
Is there a bike track?
Yes, a learn-to-ride track provides a safe mini-road layout for practising cycling and scooter skills with road markings.
Are toilets available?
Public toilets are on site and are being replaced with a new unisex accessible facility during the current renewal.
Is the reserve accessible?
Flat paths support wheelchairs and strollers. The new toilet will be accessible, and parking is available nearby.
Can I have a picnic there?
Five new picnic tables have been installed to support family gatherings and longer visits.
Is the playground open during upgrades?
Parts of the site remain open while renewal works continue; some areas may be fenced off temporarily.
Who manages the reserve?
Christchurch City Council manages Westburn Reserve and is overseeing the current play space and track renewal.
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