Milverton Park

Despite being in the centre of the city, Milverton Park is all about nature and play. In 2019, the old playground was replaced with a new play space designed for fun and adventure.

The toddler area has a tunnel, slide and bridge, while older kids can climb the tall fort with its big, steep slides that make you feel like you’re up in the trees. There’s also a mouse wheel, swings, a space net, and a balance beam made from an old tree.  

Milverton Park isn’t your typical playground. It’s a place that encourages kids (and adults) to explore, to climb trees, jump on rocks, and make play part of the whole park. Picnic tables sit right in the middle so parents can join in, not just watch from the sidelines. 

There’s also a half basketball court with an adjustable hoop for all ages. 

Natural colours and materials help the playground blend in with the park’s beautiful old trees. Many of the surfaces and tables are made from recycled materials (tyres, shoes, and plastic bags) keeping things eco-friendly. 

Milverton's special history

In October 1925, William Milverton gifted this land to the Palmerston North Borough Council for everyone to enjoy. His only condition was that it remain “absolutely free to the general public… for recreation and amusement,” and that it be laid out “in an artistic manner and suitably grassed.” 

He later served as a borough councillor from 1927 to 1929, helping shape the city he loved. 

Council officially took over the land on 22 March 1926, with Peter Black, the long-serving Curator of Parks and Reserves, leading the design of the playing fields and overall park layout. Planting, fencing, and construction of facilities like the changing rooms took place over the next few years. The Manawatū Times of 19 June 1928 reported that £475 had been set aside for this work. The Returned Soldiers’ Association also contributed funds from the 1928 Poppy Day collection, which helped provide work for four ex-servicemen on the park’s development.

The fields have hosted many sports over the decades. The first recorded match was in November 1931, when Terrace End Primary defeated College Street Primary in the junior cricket championship. Hockey followed in 1932, and by 1934, with the new dressing rooms complete, women’s cricket was also being played at the park.

Location

Milverton Park, Victoria Avenue, Hokowhitu 4410  View Map

-40.356529348104374, 175.6223817768079

Milverton Park, Victoria Avenue , Hokowhitu 4410

Milverton Park, Victoria Avenue , Hokowhitu 4410

Milverton Park