Mark Smith Reserve is a small Blenheim park with a children’s playground on Turnbull Drive (off Taylor Pass Road), opened on 31 August 2019. Most of the play equipment was previously installed at Pollard Park and was relocated here when Pollard Park was upgraded in 2019, plus an accessible swing and an old tractor have been added. The reserve sits next to a car park and footpath that gives access to the Taylor River Floodway Reserve, so it doubles as a starting point for short Taylor River walks.
Practical Information
| Location | Turnbull Drive, off Taylor Pass Road, Blenheim |
| Opened | 31 August 2019 |
| Named after | A former farm manager of the Wither Hills Farm Park |
| Play equipment | Relocated from Pollard Park (2019 upgrade) — slides, swings, climbing pieces |
| Accessibility | Accessible swing installed; suitable for wheelchair users |
| Distinctive feature | Old tractor for play |
| Adjacent access | Car park and footpath leading into Taylor River Floodway Reserve |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | Under control; the Taylor River reserve next door is a designated dog exercise area |
About the Reserve
Mark Smith Reserve is one of Blenheim’s newer playgrounds, opened in August 2019. The reserve takes its name from Mark Smith, a former farm manager of the Wither Hills Farm Park — the Wither Hills are visible directly to the south from the reserve. When Pollard Park’s playground was upgraded the same year, the older equipment (still in good condition) was relocated here, giving the new reserve a full set of slides, swings and climbing structures from day one. The two newer additions — an accessible swing and a play tractor — were installed at the same time.
The reserve’s location at the edge of the Taylor River Floodway gives it a second function as a walking-track access point. From the adjacent car park, a footpath leads into the Taylor River walkway network, which runs all the way through central Blenheim to Taylor Dam at the far end.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council — Mark Smith Reserve — official council facility page with current status, layout and any current notices.
Marlborough Online — Mark Smith Reserve — local reference page with history of the reserve’s opening and the equipment relocation from Pollard Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mark Smith Reserve?
On Turnbull Drive, off Taylor Pass Road, Blenheim.
When did Mark Smith Reserve open?
31 August 2019.
Who is Mark Smith Reserve named after?
A former farm manager of the Wither Hills Farm Park.
Where did the playground equipment come from?
Most was relocated from Pollard Park during a 2019 upgrade. An accessible swing and a play tractor were added new.
Is the playground accessible?
Yes — an accessible swing is installed, suitable for wheelchair users.
Can you walk along the Taylor River from Mark Smith Reserve?
Yes — there’s a car park and footpath next to the reserve that gives access to the Taylor River Floodway Reserve walkway.
For more Blenheim playgrounds see Blenheim playgrounds. The wider Taylor River Reserve walk runs from here through central Blenheim.
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