Originally a metal pit for New Zealand Railways, this land was purchased by the City Council in 1940 for a park. The eastern end was developed into a cycle track, sports arena and skating rink between 1951 – 1954. In 1954 the park was renamed Memorial Park when a memorial dedicated to those who died in the two World Wars, was unveiled. By 1975 the parks facilities included a cycling rack, skating rink, children’s swimming pool and a play area in a garden setting.