Vautier Park is the principal netball venue of Palmerston North, on Puriri Street in the Roslyn suburb about 3 km from the city centre. The park has 17 netball courts that accommodate large numbers of players and host events through the year including local tournaments. The site also includes the Red Sox Clubrooms, a tennis facility, and a long-established BMX track.
The park was renamed Vautier Park in 1976 after Catherine Vautier, in recognition of her lifetime involvement with basketball (the sport then renamed netball after 1970). The BMX track was officially opened on 16 March 1982 by City Councillor Bill Johnson. The site was previously the Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry before its transformation into the recreation reserve it is today.
Practical Information
| Location | Puriri Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North |
| Distance from central Palmerston North | About 3 km north, around 5-7 min drive |
| Netball | 17 courts; hosts local netball tournaments and events through the year |
| BMX track | Opened 16 March 1982 by City Councillor Bill Johnson |
| Other facilities | Tennis, Red Sox Clubrooms, on-site catering for events |
| Named after | Catherine Vautier (1976), in recognition of her lifetime involvement in basketball / netball |
| History | Previously the site of the Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry |
| Cost | Free general access; bookings through the relevant netball / club organisations |
About Vautier Park
Vautier Park sits on Puriri Street in Roslyn, the established residential suburb north of the central city. The site was previously the Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry, and the transformation from industrial quarry to recreational park is one of the more notable urban-development stories in the city.
The park was renamed Vautier Park in 1976 after Catherine Vautier, in recognition of her lifetime involvement with the sport then known as basketball. The sport was renamed netball in 1970. The naming reflects the park’s primary use – it is the principal netball venue in Palmerston North.
Netball, BMX and Other Sports
The park’s headline facility is the netball setup: 17 well-maintained courts capable of accommodating large player numbers, hosting local tournaments and events through the year. The Puriri Netball Centre uses these courts as its home base.
The BMX track was officially opened on 16 March 1982 by City Councillor Bill Johnson and has been part of the park since. The track is one of the long-established BMX facilities in the lower North Island. Vautier Park also includes a tennis facility.
The Red Sox Clubrooms sit on the park alongside the playing facilities and serve as a base for the local Red Sox club and event catering.
What Visitors Often Say
Vautier Park is consistently described as the central netball hub of Palmerston North, with the 17 courts, the well-organised tournaments, and the on-site catering / Red Sox Clubrooms all drawing positive specific mentions. The BMX track is a long-standing draw for younger riders and parents. The Catherine Vautier naming history is a regular point of interest.
Practical observations: this is primarily a working sports venue rather than a casual family park; check current netball / tournament schedules before turning up for casual play; the BMX track adds a different draw; the Red Sox Clubrooms host events; on-site parking is generally available.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Vautier Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with location and facilities.
Manawatu Heritage: Vautier Park, Puriri Street: PNCC heritage record covering the 1976 naming and the Catherine Vautier history.
Manawatu Heritage: BMX bikers on the new BMX track: archive record from the 1982 BMX track opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vautier Park?
Puriri Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North – about 3 km north of the central city.
How many netball courts?
17 well-maintained netball courts that host local tournaments and events through the year.
When did the BMX track open?
16 March 1982. 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 (the sport was renamed netball in 1970).
What was on the site before?
The Edwards Brick and Pipes quarry. The park is built on the former industrial site.
Are tennis courts on site?
Yes. Tennis is one of the facilities available at the park alongside netball and BMX.
Is it free?
Yes. Free general access. Court bookings are managed through the relevant netball or club organisations.
For more sports parks, see the parks and reserves hub or the related Skoglund Park.