Business Improvement Plan
Greenspace Services Xyst conducted a business health check, or service review, of the open space and sports field Business Units. This review aimed to identify gaps in the business and provide recommendations for improving service delivery, management practices and strategically positioning council (parks maintenance) for the next ten years. The review incorporated the factors that […]
Shade Audit
Bunurong Memorial Park The project involved undertaking a comprehensive shade audit at Bunurong Memorial Park to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of both natural and built shade for customers and staff. Xyst undertook observations of radiant light across the site and its materials to understand how light behaves (bounces) within different spaces. This approach enables […]
CPTED Site Assessments and Report
Albert-Eden Parks Xyst carried out daytime CPTED assessments across six parks, with two of these sites also receiving night‑time lighting assessments. Working closely with Auckland Council, we developed a strong understanding of each park’s context and evaluated key CPTED elements including natural surveillance, access and wayfinding, territorial definition, maintenance, and community presence and activation. Based […]
Kindergarten Play Space Design Guidelines and Assessment
Melton City Council sought expertise from Xyst to develop comprehensive Kindergarten Play Space Design Guidelines for the 25 licensed facilities under its administration. The guidelines were to reflect best‑practice early childhood design principles, relevant Victorian Government requirements, and insights from Council’s draft Community Infrastructure Planning Tool (2022). The project included the development of design standards […]
CPTED Site Assessment Report
Rex Morpeth Park Xyst reviewed recent incidences of crime and other safety issues at Rex Morpeth Park – analysing data and interviewing local police, Neighbourhood Support, WDC’s Aquatics and Open Spaces teams and the Athletics Club to better understand the specific issues. CPTED site assessments were then undertaken, during both day and night time visits, […]
Accessibility and Inclusivity Assessment Report
Hutt City Playgrounds Xyst worked with Hutt City Council to physically assess 13 of their suburban playgrounds against current best-practice accessibility and inclusivity criteria (including Universal Design Principles) to understand their current performance. Xyst also conducted a high-level desk-top review of their remaining play network to identify which playgrounds provided inclusive play opportunities and accessible […]
Business Improvement Plan
Greenspace Services Blacktown City Council engaged Xyst to identify gaps in their parks, gardens, sports fields and playgrounds operations and recommend steps to bridge these gaps. This ensures the Greenspace Business Unit are well-informed and positioned to plan and deliver high-quality, economically sustainable open space services, that meet current and future demands, while fulfilling community […]
Asset Data Collection at Childcare Centres – City of Port Phillip
The City of Port Phillip planned to tender the maintenance of outdoor play spaces across its childcare centres but lacked a clear understanding of the type, quantity and condition of its outdoor assets. This uncertainty would have resulted in tenderers inflating prices to account for risk and incomplete information. Xyst delivered an asset data capture […]
Scot Hedge
I am a highly experienced manager with over 25 years’ operating within environmental, recreational and operational services, in both the public and private sectors. My experience includes management of strategic and operational planning and projects, development and implementation of capital works programs, environmental management of construction activities, and delivery of maintenance programs for public open […]
Tom Nicholls
My background and passion is in horticulture and open space design. I have had over 15 years’ experience in landscape design and construction, from being a landscape apprentice to small business operator. With these tools I have furthered my education in sustainable landscape design and project management, adding to my desire to design and build […]
Holiday Park Concept Plan
The Greymouth Top 10 Seaside Holiday Park was seeking to expand its accommodation offerings on a vacant portion of its site. Xyst prepared a concept plan laying out building footprints, circulation amenities and landscaping. Xyst also provided a detailed assessment of consenting requirements enabling the client to lodge consents in the future.
Yardstick Trails User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a targeted intercept survey of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and the Yarra Valley Trail. For the survey we used the Yardstick Trail User Survey developed specifically for Yarra Ranges in 2019, and suitable for use on any trail. The survey includes a set of questions […]
Yardstick Parks User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a Yardstick parks user survey on fifteen of its parks and reserves. The intercept survey includes around 40 questions, some of which were optional additions to the standard survey content. The survey took place in November 2025 and involved collection of 180 intercept surveys to collect data […]
Waititi Trout Stream Holiday Park Development Plan
Xyst undertook a full review of the consenting history and regulatory and planning requirements for the Holiday Park. We coordinated a full site survey, geotechnical investigation and services investigation. Using this information we developed a long term concept plan for the redevelopment of the site. Xyst also project managed the first stage of the redevelopment.
Lake Ferry Playground – Comprehensive Playground Inspection
Xyst visited Lake Ferry playground to conduct the physical comprehensive inspection. We then provided South Wairarapa with base asset data on each of the playground items and surfaces, and a full playground inspection report on each of the assets. We provided a risk assessment against any of the items that were non-compliant and make recommendations […]