Included in the 34 submissions the Queenstown Lakes District Council received were concerns the upgrade "is solely for Winterfest [benefit] at the ratepayers' expense", photographer Jason Law wrote.
Like the majority of submitters, Bryce Whiting opposed all suggested options to remove the photinia tree, twin willows, cabbage trees, the moa statue and the reduction of grassed area.
"It would seem a number of the changes proposed are to assist them [the Winter Festival] run their festival - an event that occurs only once a year for less than two weeks," Mr Whiting said in his submission.
There was united opposition from local businesses and ratepayers to suggestions from the council and its design contractor to move, remove or replace various elements of Earnslaw Park. Businesses say the park as it is draws in large numbers of tourists.
The reduction in grassed area was also opposed.
Neighbouring business owners Takeshi and Mary Yamauchi said that "if each successive 'upgrade' reduces the amount of grass area, there won't be any left".
Conversely, Winter Festival director Simon Green and Summit Events manager Craig Gallagher both said the removal of the willow trees was necessary to maximise usable space and efficiency for events.
"The willows in my opinion have to go, both due to the impact they have on the park's usability, but also the damage they do to the turf and also the fact that people do not use them for shade, or only very rarely ever do," Mr Green said in his submission.
Mr Gallagher said that on a frequent basis the trees were "a huge hindrance and obstructive for the events/festivals on the park".
Despite a report discussed in May by parks manager Gordon Bailey which said $78,334 had been budgeted for turf renovations in the park, many submitters were concerned the upgrade was unnecessary expenditure.
"Like so many people, I fail to see why money needs to be spent on such an upgrade when [the] council is, hopefully, trying to reduce expenditure," Irene Adamson said.
An additional $545,705 had been budgeted to "refurbish or replace" the park's public toilets, although this issue was either ignored or supported by submitters.
At a community services committee meeting in May, Baxter Design Group's principal, Paddy Baxter, advised councillors there was a potential for more seating if the willow trees were removed.
