When you get to Savage Reserve, you find there a prety good playground... but also the feeling that something, but you are not quite sure what, is off. There is nothing to fault, actually: adequate off-street (and on-street) parking, decent set of playgrounds either side of the park, plenty of open space, seating--even shaded seating--some immense mature trees, water fountain, bins, picnic tables... Some a bit rounded-down, but not necessarily worse than other parks. Quite a promising park which should be competing with nearby Victoria Esplanade or with Milverton Park... and yet, there is something intangible, eerie, to it... as if something or someone was there who tolerates you but not quite wants you there... It may need of Maori to bring in some mana, or some other minister to bless the place, or maybe, just maybe, for the Council to invest in it further, for future generations... Just maybe... In any case, if you are doing Palmy's Best Playgrounds Route, other nearby playgrounds are at the Victoria Esplanade and at Awapuni Park.
Savage Reserve Playground
34 Savage Crescent, West End, Palmerston North 4412
Why these ages?
Two play areas: newer side has a maypole, overhead ladder, turn spike carousel and see-saws that suit primary-aged kids; older side has a multi-play with slide and basket swing. No mention of fencing, and no infant swing or clear toddler zone. Fine for children and tweens, marginal for under-4s without close supervision.
What's here
Savage Reserve Playground in West End, Palmerston North, is really two separate play areas in one reserve: a newer play space with a turn spike carousel and maypole on one side, and an older multi play structure with a basket swing on the other.
Equipment
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryOpened within the last 5 years (as of the McNoe 2026 survey).
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteEquipment includes New playground: maypole, overhead ladder, slide, turn spike carousel, see-saws, Playground on opposite side of park: multi-play structure (with slide), basket swing.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include turn spike carousel, basket swing, slide (suitable for young child with assistance).
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteSpecialised equipment: a carousel.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesPlayground surface: artificial, bark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include a drinking fountain, picnic tables, seating.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 2 Medium.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesReserve classification: SPORTS.
Source: opendata.pncc.govt.nzAmenitiesCouncil register facilities: Play Equipment.
Source: opendata.pncc.govt.nzAmenitiesSite area: 2.63 hectares.
Source: opendata.pncc.govt.nz
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (2)
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Palmerston North City know. They look after this park.