Last updated July 2026
Memorial Park is a 4.9-hectare park on Main Street in Terrace End, Palmerston North. The park was renamed in 1954 to commemorate local residents lost in the First and Second World Wars, following the construction of the memorial obelisk in 1952. It combines its commemorative role with popular family facilities including poppy-themed playgrounds and the region’s only free outdoor splash pad. The park occupies the site of a former quarry excavated for railway gravel and features a duck pond, skate rink and sports grounds alongside its memorial elements.
Practical Information
| Location | Main Street, Terrace End, Palmerston North |
| Size | 4.9 hectares |
| Renamed | 1954 (memorial obelisk erected 1952) |
| Key features | War memorial obelisk, poppy-themed playgrounds, splash pad, paddling pool, sports grounds, skate rink, duck pond, picnic areas, public toilets, parking |
| Splash pad and pool hours | 10 am to 9 pm daily in summer months |
| Cost | Free entry |
| Dogs | Prohibited |
| Accessibility | Accessible facilities and play areas |
| Best for | Families with children, summer water play, remembrance visits, casual sports |
About Memorial Park
Memorial Park lies on the eastern edge of Palmerston North in the suburb of Terrace End. The site was formerly a quarry that supplied gravel for the Palmerston North to Napier railway line. Palmerston North City Council purchased the land in 1938 and developed it as a reserve, initially known as Fitzroy Park.
The war memorial obelisk was erected in 1952 and the park was officially renamed Memorial Park in 1954 to honour local residents who died in the First and Second World Wars. Additional commemorative features include a howitzer donated by the New Zealand Defence Force in 2019 and a Workers’ Memorial erected in 2011 at the Fitzroy Street entrance.
The park is divided into distinct zones. The western side focuses on family recreation with playgrounds, water play facilities and picnic areas. The eastern side contains sports grounds. A duck pond and skate rink add further variety to the visitor experience.
Memorial Park underwent significant redevelopment following community consultation in 2016. Priorities identified included family and social use, safety and accessibility, sport and active recreation, and recognition of wartime history. The resulting facilities integrate memorial themes with modern play opportunities.
Poppy-Themed Playgrounds
The playgrounds at Memorial Park were redesigned to reflect the park’s commemorative purpose. Large poppies emerge from the play structures, providing shade while referencing the Anzac poppy symbol. The design loosely follows the poppy motif across the play areas.
Equipment suits a wide age range and includes climbing tubes, slides, ramps, swings, balancing balls and ropes, climbing walls and fall nets. The toddler playground features a slide, bridge and tunnel. Large ramps around the main fort allow inclusive play. Picnic tables and shaded lawns sit alongside the equipment.
The playgrounds form part of the same upgrade project that introduced the splash pad. They are free to use and open year-round during daylight hours.
Splash Pad and Paddling Pool
Memorial Park features the region’s only free outdoor splash pad. The facility includes separate zones for babies, toddlers and older children. Under-fives are physically separated from the older children’s area by the main footpath and a fenced barrier for safety. The all-ages zone includes a giant tipping bucket described as the southern hemisphere’s only free supersoaker.
A fenced paddling pool sits next to the splash pad, offering a calmer water-play option. Both the splash pad and paddling pool operate from 10 am to 9 pm daily during the summer months. There is no charge for use.
The splash pad opened in late 2021 and quickly became a popular family destination on hot days.
Sports Grounds and Walking
The eastern half of Memorial Park contains sports grounds used for athletics, casual sports and community events. The flat, open grass surface supports running and field activities. A skate rink is also located within the park.
A short flat loop walk around the park boundary provides an easy circuit for visitors. The 0.4-mile (approximately 0.6 km) route is suitable for all ages and takes around eight minutes to complete at a leisurely pace.
Memorial Park serves as a venue for ANZAC Day commemorations in addition to the main dawn service held at the Cenotaph in The Square.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors rate Memorial Park highly as a family destination, particularly praising the splash pad’s giant tipping bucket, the long summer opening hours until 9 pm, and the thoughtful integration of poppy designs with the park’s memorial history. Families appreciate the separated toddler zone for safety and the variety of play equipment suitable for different ages.
Practical notes include that the splash pad and pool operate only in summer months, free parking is available but can fill on hot weekends, towels and sun protection are essential, and the park works well combined with a visit to Victoria Esplanade for a longer outing. The dog-free policy is noted positively by families with young children.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council – Memorial Park: official page with current facilities, hours, history and notices.
Manawatū Heritage – War Memorial, Memorial Park: historical photographs and details on the 1952 obelisk and renaming.
Memorial Park Development Plan 2017-2027: council document outlining park history, values and development priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Memorial Park located?
On Main Street in Terrace End, Palmerston North, along State Highway 3.
Is the splash pad free to use?
Yes. Both the splash pad and paddling pool are free and open 10 am to 9 pm daily during the summer months.
When was the park renamed Memorial Park?
The park was officially renamed in 1954 after the war memorial obelisk was erected in 1952. It was previously known as Fitzroy Park.
Why are there poppies in the playgrounds?
The large poppies provide shade and reference the park’s war memorial history, loosely following the Anzac poppy symbol in the play area layout.
Are dogs allowed in Memorial Park?
No. Memorial Park is a dog-free zone.
What facilities are available besides the playground and splash pad?
The park includes sports grounds, a skate rink, a duck pond, picnic areas, public toilets, changing rooms and parking. It is accessible and features a Workers’ Memorial and a howitzer display.
Is there a walking track?
Yes. A short flat 0.4-mile loop around the park boundary is suitable for easy walks and takes approximately eight minutes.
When is the best time to visit for water play?
The splash pad and paddling pool operate only in the summer months. Evening visits are popular because facilities remain open until 9 pm.
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