Trust House Memorial Park

Trust House Memorial Park is a very large multi-use reserve on Dixon Street in central Masterton. While primarily known as a sports ground for rugby and football with capacity for 10,000 spectators, the park also provides green space, walking paths, children's play equipment, and picnic areas for families.

Equipment

The playground at Trust House Memorial Park includes a castle-themed play structure, slides, swings, and a flying fox alongside a hamster wheel and spinner, with a fenced toddler area. A climbing net and accessible equipment are also present. The park's very large footprint means play areas are spread across landscaped grounds with established trees providing good shade.

Access and Inclusion

The site includes accessible play equipment. Bark surfacing is used in the play areas. On-street angle parking is available on Dixon Street. Toilets are available on site. All Masterton District Council parks are smokefree.

History and Cultural

The park originated in 1918, when brothers Donald and Robert Cameron acquired the former Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Showgrounds to create a memorial for soldiers who served in World War I. It was initially named Cameron and Soldiers' Park in honour of Lieutenant Norman Cameron, killed at Gallipoli. In 2008 it was renamed Trust House Memorial Park under a naming rights sponsorship arrangement. A major redevelopment in 2015, costing approximately NZ$2.1 million, added a 3G artificial turf field, new stadium lighting, and improved fencing and pathways. It serves as the home ground of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Football Union and Wairarapa United football club.

Practical Info

Parking: on-street angle parking on Dixon Street. Public toilets on site. Seating available. Located approximately 1 km north of Masterton town centre.