Skoglund Park is a large open sports ground on Thames Street in the Roslyn suburb of Palmerston North. The park is a working football ground used by local clubs and is fitted with a hybrid pitch surface (a Stuff article on the upgrade reported that hybrid surfacing was added as part of PNCC’s pitch improvement programme), alongside a pavilion and play equipment.
Skoglund Park sits directly alongside Edwards Pit Park and the council’s Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walkway connects the two reserves. Dogs are prohibited at Skoglund Park itself; the neighbouring Edwards Pit Park is the dog exercise area in this part of the city.
Practical Information
| Location | Thames Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North |
| Type | Sports ground (football) and recreation reserve, managed by PNCC |
| Pitch surface | Hybrid surface (part of PNCC’s pitch upgrade programme) |
| Features | Football fields, pavilion, play equipment |
| Dogs | Prohibited at Skoglund Park (neighbouring Edwards Pit Park is the off-leash dog area) |
| Linked walks | Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walkway connects to the adjacent reserve |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Football fixtures, pavilion-based events, casual play, link walk to Edwards Pit Park |
About Skoglund Park
Skoglund Park sits on Thames Street in the Roslyn suburb, an established residential area of Palmerston North. The park is a working sports ground used primarily by local football clubs through the season, with a hybrid pitch surface that PNCC installed as part of a wider pitch improvement programme covering several city parks.
The park has a pavilion (used for club rooms, changing and meeting space) and play equipment alongside the football fields. The sports use through the season means casual access to the playing surface itself is limited during fixtures and training. Outside that, the open ground is used for casual play.
Connection to Edwards Pit Park
Skoglund Park sits directly alongside Edwards Pit Park, the restored former-quarry park covered in detail in its own post. The two reserves are joined by the Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walkway, which the council lists as one of its walks pages. The combined area gives access to football fields (Skoglund), the Hoffman Kiln heritage feature and over 2 km of restored walking paths (Edwards Pit), and a designated dog exercise area at Edwards Pit Park itself (dogs are prohibited at Skoglund Park).
Visitors dropping family at Skoglund Park for football fixtures commonly walk through to Edwards Pit Park during the game.
What Visitors Often Say
Skoglund Park is described primarily as a working football ground. The hybrid pitch surface, the pavilion facilities, and the connection through to Edwards Pit Park all draw positive mentions. The fact that families can split between watching football at Skoglund and walking the Edwards Pit paths is a regular practical positive for parents.
Practical observations: dogs are prohibited at Skoglund Park itself – take them to Edwards Pit Park next door; the hybrid pitch limits casual access during the football season; the pavilion is used for club functions; combine a visit with the Edwards Pit Park walking paths for a longer outing.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Skoglund Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with location and facilities.
PNCC: Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walkway: linked walks page covering the connection between the two reserves.
Stuff: Hybrid surface enhances Palmerston North’s football pitches: news coverage of the pitch upgrade programme that brought the hybrid surface to Skoglund Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Skoglund Park?
Thames Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North.
What is the pitch surface?
Hybrid surface, installed as part of PNCC’s pitch upgrade programme covering several city parks.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are prohibited at Skoglund Park. The neighbouring Edwards Pit Park is the designated off-leash dog area.
Is there a pavilion?
Yes. The park has a pavilion used by clubs and for meeting / changing space.
Can I walk through to Edwards Pit Park?
Yes. The council’s Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walkway connects the two reserves directly.
What is the park mainly used for?
Football, alongside casual play when not in fixture use.
Is it free?
Yes. Free public reserve.
For more sports parks and walks, see the parks and reserves hub or the linked Edwards Pit Park post.