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When a project is completed, a new chapter of continuous management, maintenance and improvement begins. The project team will, at the preparation and design stages, have already thought about caring for the space. A maintenance plan or statement helps to manage, maintain, develop and improve the space in the best way. The thinking that goes into the maintenance plan is as important as the product at the end of it. It should cover at least five years, if not 10 years or more.

Key questions to ask when preparing a maintenance plan:

• Where are we now? An introduction, wider policy context (eg. general parks policies or maintenance policies) and site description
• Where do we want to get to? A vision for the future of the park, assessment and analysis of the vision, as well as aims and objectives
• How will we get there? A work or action plan for achieving the vision and how this will be funded or resourced
• How will we know when we have arrived? A plan for monitoring and reviewing the action plan

If either a Conservation Plan or an up-to-date Reserve Management Plan exists, they can be a valuable tool in managing the day to day operations of the site.

The assets created by the project will need to be incorporated into Council's asset management plan. The asset management plan ensures the asset will be appropriately maintained and improved over its life. ​