The Council provides, maintains and develops parks, reserves and facilities for the purpose of recreation, beautification, conservation of the natural environment and public access.  Parks and recreation also includes the cemeteries, public toilets and the aerodrome.

Parks and recreation facilities are important to the health and wellbeing of the community and contribute to the lifestyle we enjoy.  The Council is led by the expectations of residents to have access to both active and passive recreation opportunities.

The district has parks, gardens, playgrounds and reserves, largely located in urban areas and along the coast.  Together with their associated amenities (toilet blocks, boat ramps and so on), they have a combined value of some $8.5 million.  Major facilities include Waioeka Domain, Ohiwa Domain, Waiotahi Domain and Memorial Park.

Maintaining our parks and reserves currently costs in excess of $800,000 a year, 90% of which is funded by rates.