The reserve, on the corner of Charles and Grafton Streets, will re-open on Thursday 31 October with an official ribbon cutting ceremony from 2pm - 3pm. A pupil from Phillipstown School has been invited to cut the ribbon. Local City Councillors and Community Board members as well as the Phillipstown School community, Residents’ Association and Council staff and contractors involved in the project, have been invited to attend the ceremony.

A neighbourhood plan has been drawn up for Charleston, which outlines a five-year programme of improvements in the area. The aim is to retain and build on the physical and social character of the area, by improving its visual look and encouraging community ownership.

As part of the plan, a commitment was made by the Council to upgrade the play equipment, landscaping and seating within the reserve in response to community concerns. As a result of feedback from the community, new planting, fencing and gates, new seating, a picnic table and play equipment have been installed and the lighting improved to enhance safety.

A special feature is a moulded concrete seat featuring a colourful Charleston sign and tile artwork by Year 8 (Form 2) children from Room 1 at Phillipstown School. “The artwork reflects the good things that the children identify with in the Charleston area and was reproduced onto 21 ceramic tiles by artist Sally Grigg,” says Christchurch City Council Urban Renewal Planner, Victoria Lawson.

The old play fort, which no longer met safety standards, has been replaced with a modern version of the historic Charleston Cobb and Co. stagecoach horses, a reference to the Cobb and Co. stables, which used to be in the area.

The Christchurch City Council Urban Design team won a top planning award in April 2002 for its consultation and public involvement in developing the Charleston Neighbourhood Plan.