Parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the two proposed designs were intended to restore the reserve to an authentic Central Otago landscape.
Planting was expected to start in winter next year and cost up to $180,000.
Both landscape plans prepared for the council by consultants Boffa Miskell propose planting native species across the site.
The more expensive option had a row of poplars on the northern boundary, and native shrubs and trees in front.
The poplars would give shelter to the native plants initially and would be removed in 8-10 years once the other plants were well-established.
However, they added $10,000 to the cost of planting and there would be more expense when they were cut down.
Areas for a community garden, a place for new citizens to plant the trees they were given at their ceremony and for Trees for Babies were included in the plans.
Mr Bailey said some new citizens did not have a suitable or permanent site for their tree and could plant them at the reserve.
Trees for Babies was a long-term tree planting project the Alexandra Rotary Club had been running since 2005. Trees were planted at various parks and reserves around the town.
To get the planting established, a header tank with a network of irrigation for the site could draw from the Old Golf Course Rd town water supply with access through a neighbouring property already discussed, he said.
A provisional sum for irrigation had been included in the estimated cost. Once the plants were established the irrigation system would be removed.
Weed control and any additional site tidy up would be done next summer before planting began in the following winter, Mr Bailey said.
For nearly 18 months debate has surrounded the pine trees on the Central Otago District Council-owned (CODC) reserve with emotions flaring on both sides.
The trees are deemed a significant seed source for wilding pines in the area, and in October 2021 were earmarked by the CODC and Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for removal.
At the time a lack of public consultation raised the ire of residents in the Bridge Hill area who use the reserve for recreation.
Public submissions on the issue were received last year, and in January the Vincent Community Board agreed to the removal of wilding conifers at the reserve, but in a staged approach.
The matter was referred to the CODC meeting in February for confirmation it complied with council policy.
Mayor Tim Cadogan used his casting vote to reject the decision.
At last month’s meeting the council policy on wilding pines was changed to reflect the intention that wilding pines would be eradicated — not managed — and removed in a single operation.
