Memorial Park is a 4.9-hectare park on Main Street East (State Highway 3) in Terrace End, Palmerston North. The park was renamed in 1954 to commemorate the local men and women who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, following the construction of the memorial obelisk in 1952. Today the park combines that memorial role with one of the most-upgraded family play spaces in the city.
The park is best known locally for the poppy-themed playgrounds with their distinctive shade poppies, the region’s first outdoor splash pad with its giant tipping bucket, the all-day paddling pool, war memorial murals and a large sports ground. Splash pad and paddling pool are open 10 am to 9 pm daily in the summer months. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | Main Street East (SH3), Terrace End, Palmerston North |
| Size | 4.9 hectares |
| Renamed | 1954, in memory of local residents lost in WW1 and WW2 (memorial obelisk built 1952) |
| Key features | War memorial obelisk, poppy-themed playgrounds, outdoor splash pad (region’s first), paddling pool, sports grounds, picnic lawns, public toilets |
| Splash pad and pool hours | 10 am to 9 pm daily in the summer months |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Families with young children, summer water play, Anzac/remembrance visits |
About Memorial Park
The land that became Memorial Park was purchased by the Palmerston North City Council in 1938, originally developed from a former metal pit. The park spans 4.9 hectares in the Terrace End suburb on the eastern side of the central city, along Main Street East (State Highway 3).
The memorial obelisk was erected in 1952 and the park was officially renamed Memorial Park in 1954 to commemorate the local residents killed in the First and Second World Wars. The site reflects its history through commemorative features integrated into the park’s everyday family use – the gun at the entrance, the murals on the buildings, and the poppies running through the playground and splash pad design.
The park is divided into two clear zones. The western side is the family play area with the playgrounds, paddling pool, splash pad and picnic lawns. The eastern side is the sports ground, designed for minimal maintenance and used for athletic pursuits.
Splash Pad and Paddling Pool
The Memorial Park splash pad was the region’s first outdoor splash pad when it opened. It cost around 500,000 dollars and was funded by Palmerston North City Council with contributions including 15,000 dollars from the Mainland Foundation and external grant funding.
The splash pad has separate zones for under-5s and older children: the toddler zone is physically separated from the older kids’ area by the main footpath and has a barrier around it to keep little ones safe. The all-ages zone includes a giant tipping bucket described as the only free supersoaker in the Southern Hemisphere – a feature that draws families from across the wider region. The neighbouring paddling pool gives a calmer water-play option.
Splash pad and paddling pool both run 10 am to 9 pm daily in the summer months. There is no charge.
Poppy-Themed Playgrounds
The playgrounds at Memorial Park were rebuilt as part of the same upgrade as the splash pad and were intentionally designed to reflect the park’s war memorial history. The most-visible feature is the set of large poppies coming out of the play structures, which both provide shade and serve as a daily visual reminder of the park’s commemorative meaning.
Play equipment includes slides, ramps, swings, balancing balls and ropes, climbing walls and fall nets. The play areas suit a wide age range, from toddlers to older children. Picnic tables, lawns and public toilets sit alongside the playground.
Sports Ground and Walking
The eastern half of Memorial Park is set up as a low-maintenance sports ground used for athletics, casual sports and community events. The grass surface is open and flat. AllTrails lists a short circuit walk inside the park (a flat loop around the park boundary) which makes a useful add-on for visitors using the playground or splash pad.
Memorial Park is also a regular ANZAC Day commemoration stop, in addition to the dawn service held at the Cenotaph in the central Square.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors consistently rate Memorial Park as the top family park in Palmerston North once the splash pad and new playground are factored in. The giant tipping bucket, the long evening hours of the splash pad in summer (open until 9 pm), the poppy shade features and the war memorial integration all draw positive specific mentions. Many families describe it as the easy go-to summer destination for under-12s.
Practical observations: splash pad and pool only run in the summer months (closed in winter); evening visits are popular because the splash pad stays open until 9 pm; bring towels and sunhats; the under-5 zone is separated for safety which parents appreciate; there is free parking off Main Street East but it can fill up on hot weekends; combine with a stop at Victoria Esplanade for a longer family day.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Memorial Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with facilities, opening hours and current notices.
Wikipedia: Memorial Park, Palmerston North: history of the park including the 1952 memorial obelisk and 1954 renaming.
NZ Herald Manawatu Guardian: Memorial Park splash pad and playground upgrade: news coverage of the 1.2 million dollar upgrade, including funding and design detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Memorial Park?
On Main Street East (State Highway 3) in Terrace End, Palmerston North.
Is the splash pad free?
Yes. Both the splash pad and the paddling pool are free to use, 10 am to 9 pm daily in the summer months.
When was the park renamed Memorial Park?
1954, following the construction of the war memorial obelisk in 1952. The land was originally purchased by the council in 1938.
Why are there poppies on the playgrounds?
The poppies are an intentional design feature: they provide shade for play equipment and reflect Memorial Park’s commemorative history honouring local residents lost in WW1 and WW2.
How big is the park?
4.9 hectares, divided into a family/playground western side and a sports ground eastern side.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking off Main Street East. It can fill up on hot summer weekends.
What ages is the playground suited to?
All ages, from toddler equipment through to climbing walls and fall nets for older children. The splash pad has a physically separated under-5 zone for safety.
For more family parks and water-play options, see playgrounds in Palmerston North or the parks and reserves hub.