In reality, axis are large ungulates, they would reduce the area to mud very rapidly, also there is little flight distance for them if they become spooked by anything, considering the public would pass a metre or so away from the perimeter fence along the canal 24 hours a day. I would say 2 or 3 hog deer or muntjac would work, perhaps with cranes, although pinioning is not ideal.
I would imagine that some 'tame' deer would do ok in a paddock along the main strip of grass along the North Bank. I think your ideas for hyenas is a good one, they aren't as agile as large cats and could be fenced in an open-topped enclosure in this space.
You have however identified an interesting and unused strip of land around the education centre.