[1] In 1852, a farmer Henry Hayr had a cattle run on the land before, in 1854, he brought the original 84 acres from the Crown.

The brothers also ran a farm on the land, breeding and selling pedigree Berkshire and Yorkshire pigs.

Staying in the families hands until 1951 when last surviving trustee Harold Bollard transferred the title to the local council in 1955.

The New Lynn Cricket Club established clubrooms there in 1961 and in 1963, a bridge was built, linking the park with Queen Mary Avenue.

He was widely active in the local sporting community, including as president of the New Lynn Bowling Club.