Redeveloping the much-loved ‘Modellers Pond’ in Tahunanui was an opportunity to provide unprescribed play through the exploration of the natural environment.
This included a construction of a park and associated recreational and environmental opportunities whilst exploring the stormwater system that intersects through the area. The design approach celebrated the coastal environment and compliments the popular model train attraction.
Known as 'Modellers Pond' this area of Tahunanui, Nelson has been a popular recreational playground that incorporated a concrete-walled pond and surrounding model railway. The pond became contentious when infected with algae.
The new design focused on removing the pond from the site and integrating both the coastal location and the stormwater discharge into the design. One of the main challenges and opportunities was allowing for tidal inundation and incorporating practical design solutions to allow this to happen.