Using our public spaces | Hamilton City Council

What's it all about?

Activating public spaces and places is one of four community and social development outcomes in our Community and Social Development Strategy 2021-2026 (He Rautaki Whakawhanake Hapori). The aim is to encourage high community use in our city’s places and services by ensuring they are accessible, safe and welcoming.

Two important ways we can do this are:

improving our public spaces and facilities i.e. removing barriers to access and ensuring they represent our incredibly diverse community
supporting our community groups in delivering inclusive community events.

Other aspects include Council:

actively supporting, raising awareness of and advocating for community-led initiatives i.e. using Council and community channels as well as celebratory events, museum exhibits, case studies, reports and media releases to promote our city’s amazing community-led achievements
providing information, services and resources that open up the city to residents and visitors alike.

How can I use Hamilton’s spaces and services for my community group?

Sports parks and community venues are available for booking for your group, or your non-profit group can apply for occupancy of Council-owned land or buildings at a community rate.

Explore and book a sports ground Explore and book a community venue

You can access funding to use public spaces and places for community events, projects, initiatives and activities.

Explore what funds are available

Depending on what you’d like to do in the city might need permission.

View public place permits

Community gardens are a fantastic way to shape a green city and bring neighbours together.

Apply for a community garden

What else is Council doing to bring our communities together?

We're making it easier for people to access and get around the city, and use its facilities including public spaces and places, guided by our Access Hamilton Strategy and Central City Transformation Plan. This includes making sure we have great transport options and we take into account the needs of our diverse communities, whether that’s young people, older people, those with disabilities or our city’s wide range of ethnic groups.

We want to work closely with the community to ensure the wellbeing of all Hamiltonians. Increasing community use of our public spaces and places contributes to this, which is why wellbeing is a key focus in both our key strategic document He Pou Manawa Ora – Pillars of Wellbeing and our Welcoming Plan.

You can also share your voice and give feedback on Council’s open consultations