Christchurch's Lancaster Park transformed into community sports fields

Lancaster Park has been transformed by Christchurch City Council back into community sports fields which in winter will be used for rugby and football and in summer for cricket.

The sports fields are surrounded by a perimeter pathway and a generous amount of informal, public open space.

Christchurch City Council shares “since it opened on 15th October 1881 with an athletics event, Lancaster Park has been the scene of many sporting triumphs and defeats.

“Athletics, cricket, hockey, tennis, squash, cycling, trotting, and all varieties of footy have all taken place there. In the early years, there was even a swimming pool in the park where swimming championships were held and water polo played.

“The park has also hosted carnivals, fairs, Royal and Papal visits, and rock concerts.

“Its reign as the home of sport in Christchurch came to a crushing end 11 years ago when the earthquake damaged Lancaster Park Stadium beyond repair.”

With all signs of the old stadium now gone and Lancaster Park transformed back into fields of green, it is now ready to welcome community-level sport.

Andrew Rutledge, Christchurch City Council’s Head of Parks notes “this is the start of a new chapter for Lancaster Park. This is going to be a place where community-level sport is played and where young kids will get their first taste of competition and start their sporting journey.

“It’s going to be a training ground, a match ground, and a gathering ground for the community.’’

Lancaster Park’s Memorial Gates, which were built in Stevens Street in 1924 to commemorate the sacrifice of Canterbury athletes during World War 1, have been retained and their restoration is currently under way.

Work is also under way to ensure the history of Lancaster Park is never forgotten. Reminders of the past are being put in place around the park so that people can see and hear about its history.

Rutledge advises there has been a shortage of open space in the Charlesworth area and significant demand in the south east of the city for more access to sports fields.

“Through redeveloping Lancaster Park we’ve been able to address both issues and give the local community a great park that is steeped in history and a special part of the fabric of Christchurch.

"This place has long been associated with Canterbury sport and it's sporting heroes. I have no doubt that a future sporting hero's career will emerge from the reborn Lancaster Park.

“It’s fantastic to know there is a whole new generation of kids who will play their first rugby, football and cricket matches here and that the local community will be able to relax and enjoy themselves here,’’ Rutledge says.

Video below shows:Christchurch's Lancaster Park beeing transformed by Christchurch City Council back into community sports fields. Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge talks about the park's rich history.