Turnbull Thomson Park

Turnbull Thomson Park is a large multi-section reserve spreading across the Richmond and Georgetown area of Invercargill, on either side of the Otepuni Creek. The section accessible from the Georgetown side provides neighbourhood access to the park's playground and the Otepuni Walkway, which runs the full length of the reserve along raised flood banks from Inglewood Road to Elles Road.

Equipment

A playground is located at the Tay Street entrance to the park. The reserve's wide grass areas and formed pathways complement the playground as spaces for informal play and active recreation. The park also features a fitness cube and inclusive swings among its play facilities.

Access and Inclusion

Pedestrian access to the park is available from multiple points including Tay Street, Highfield Terrace, David Street, Orwell Crescent, and Inglewood Road. Vehicle access is from Elles Road, Mary Street, Islington Street, Lindisfarne Street, Miller Street, and Camden Street. The Otepuni Walkway provides a formed, flat track through the reserve. Dogs are permitted off-lead in designated exercise areas, excluding marked sports fields and playgrounds; dogs must be on a lead on formed walking tracks.

History and Cultural

The park is named for John Turnbull Thomson, who was the first Surveyor General of New Zealand and the Chief Surveyor for Otago Province, responsible for laying out the town plan of Invercargill in 1857. Approximately 70 percent of the current reserve was gifted to the city of Invercargill in 1933 by Thomson's daughters, along with further monetary donations. The reserve has grown into one of Invercargill's most important sports and recreation destinations, home to clubs including the Collegiate Rugby Football Club, Marist Old Boys Rugby Club, Football Southland, Hockey Southland, the Southland Touch Association, and others.

Practical Info

The park is free to enter and open year-round. Multiple access points are available from surrounding streets in Richmond and Georgetown. Signed car parks serve individual club facilities. The site is smokefree under Invercargill City Council policy. The Otepuni Walkway connects westward to Otepuni Gardens and east toward Rockdale Road.