Kensington Park and Historic Grandstand

Whangarei 's sporting faciilities have long been centred around Kensington Park, not far from the city. Originally an A and P Association owned this park, and racing took place here. There is a special caveat on the use of the grounds that allows the goverment to make use of it for Defence purposes if need be.

Nowdays racing takes place out at Ruakaka, but a healthy range of other activites are here at Kensington Park. Netball, Rugby League, Hockey, Athletics and Cricket each have homes here, alongside a Marist sport branch. The main facility is the ASB Stadium, and the historic grandstand, which once overlooked the old racetrack, now serves the hockey turf.

The 1903 Grandstand is an interesting structure, mainly because it differs from the standard kiwi stand, in that it has a curved 'half barrel' roof, rather than the usual gable type.

Image Credits: Ulrich Lange