Last updated June 2026
Vautier Park is the main outdoor netball venue in Palmerston North, located on Puriri Terrace in the Roslyn suburb. The park features 17 netball courts that support local competitions and events throughout the year. It also includes tennis courts used primarily in summer and a long-established BMX track. The site was previously an industrial quarry and was renamed in 1976 to honour Catherine Vautier for her contributions to the sport.
Practical Information
| Location | Puriri Terrace, Roslyn, Palmerston North 4414 |
| Distance from central Palmerston North | About 3 km north |
| Netball courts | 17 courts; home base for Netball Manawatū |
| BMX track | Officially opened 16 March 1982 by City Councillor Bill Johnson |
| Other facilities | Tennis courts (summer use), parking, seating, toilets, drinking fountain |
| Access and rules | Free general access; dogs prohibited |
| Named after | Catherine Vautier (1976) for her lifetime involvement in basketball/netball |
| Previous use | Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry site |
About Vautier Park
Vautier Park occupies a former quarry site in the residential suburb of Roslyn, north of Palmerston North city centre. The transformation of the industrial land into a dedicated sports reserve reflects one of the city’s notable changes in land use for recreation.
The park was renamed Vautier Park in 1976 after Catherine Vautier, who had a long career as a player, coach, umpire and administrator in basketball, the sport later known as netball. Her contributions were recognised with life membership of the Manawatu Basketball Association in 1967.
Today the park functions as a key part of Palmerston North’s recreation hub, with netball courts in winter and tennis courts in summer. The facilities support organised sport and community use, with supporting amenities including parking and toilets.
Netball, Tennis and BMX Facilities
The park’s primary facility is the set of 17 netball courts, which provide a modern regional outdoor venue for Netball Manawatū. These courts host local tournaments and events for thousands of players, coaches, umpires and officials each year.
Tennis courts on the site are available for summer use. The BMX track was officially opened on 16 March 1982 by City Councillor Bill Johnson, with more than 350 riders participating in the opening events. The track remains one of the established BMX facilities in the region.
What Visitors Often Say
Vautier Park is consistently described as the central netball hub of Palmerston North, with the courts, well-organised tournaments, and supporting facilities drawing positive mentions. The BMX track is noted as a long-standing attraction for younger riders and families. The park’s history and naming after Catherine Vautier are points of interest for some visitors.
Practical observations: this is primarily a working sports venue rather than a casual park; check current schedules before visiting for casual play; on-site parking is generally available; dogs are not permitted.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Vautier Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with location, features and access details.
Manawatū Heritage: Vautier Park, Puriri Street: PNCC heritage record covering the 1976 naming and Catherine Vautier history.
Manawatū Heritage: BMX Bikers on New BMX Track: archive record from the 1982 BMX track opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vautier Park?
Puriri Terrace, Roslyn, Palmerston North, about 3 km north of the central city.
How many netball courts are there?
17 courts that support local tournaments and events for Netball Manawatū.
When did the BMX track open?
16 March 1982. It was officially opened by City Councillor Bill Johnson.
Who was Catherine Vautier?
The park was renamed in 1976 after Catherine Vautier in recognition of her lifetime involvement in basketball, later known as netball.
What was on the site before the park?
The former Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry site.
Are tennis courts available?
Yes. Tennis courts are used primarily in summer alongside the netball facilities.
Is access free?
Yes. General access is free. Dogs are prohibited on the site.
Who manages the netball courts?
Netball Manawatū uses the courts as its home base for competitions and events.
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