Knottingley Park and Arboretum

This is the domain for the town and district of Waimate, and a significant one considering the population of the town has fallen to 2700, not many more than attended the park's grand opening with procession and picnic in compared with 1891.
Knottingley Park is known as a cricket ground (first recorded match 1902) but is much bigger than that, it covers 82 acres of planted grounds. Prominent South Canterbury settlers the Studholme family had a part to play in the inception of the park and it was a Mrs Studholme who planted an oak at that opening day picnic. The name Knottingley may have been drawn from a place in Yorkshire the Studholmes were connected with.

Today, the Cricket Oval is still in play, locals use the area for running, horse riding and dog walking, and Knottingly Park has a playground, a replica of a settler bush hut. It is looked after by Council and volunteers. Part of the park has become a campground so it is possible to stay there.