It is the home ground of Eastern Suburbs and the Kohimarama Yacht club.

Before European settlers arrived in New Zealand, the Madills Farm area was known by Māori as Waipara ra which meant duck water.

[1][2] In 1919 a Mr William Madill, a local farmer, was granted a 21-year lease of a 119 acre block estate at £246 per annum, that would include what is now known as Madills Farm Reserve.

[2] In 1943 the Melanesian Trust Board subdivided the land and planned to build houses and shops on it, but they also set aside 30 acres to be developed as reserve land by the local council for recreational purposes.

[1][3][2] In 1975, Council considered developing playing fields for rugby, hockey and football, as well as building sports complex on the area.