It is bordered by Lyttelton Street to the east, Rose Street to the south, Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River to the west and Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre to the north.

It was originally a shingle pit, extending as far north as Sparks Road.

In 1950, the city's centennial year, it was announced that the landfill was to be converted to a park.

The park was opened on 10 September 1955 by Robert Macfarlane (as Mayor of Christchurch) and Mabel Howard (in her role as chairman of the Reserves Committee).

A memorial plaque is placed on the corner of Lyttelton Street and Sparks Road.