Last updated June 2026
Nestled in the suburb of Frimley in Hastings, New Zealand, Frimley Park is an Old English-style reserve known for its formal rose gardens, mature trees and inclusive facilities. The 19.78-hectare park offers sports fields, walking paths and picnic areas that attract both locals and visitors. It was gifted to the community in 1951 by the Williams family following the destruction of the Frimley homestead. The park remains a central recreational space managed by Hastings District Council, with ongoing maintenance and recent changes to former aquatic facilities.
Practical Information
| Location | Frimley Road and Lyndhurst Road, Frimley, Hastings |
| Size | 19.78 hectares (approximately 49 acres) |
| Hours | Open 24 hours; some facilities have restricted access |
| Entry | Free |
| Parking | Available on surrounding streets such as Lyndhurst Road |
| Dogs | Permitted on leash except on sports fields and playgrounds |
| Facilities | Playground, rose garden, sports fields, picnic areas, petanque court, restrooms |
| Accessibility | Shared paths and inclusive playground features |
About Frimley Park
Frimley Park features formal rose gardens containing more than 5,500 roses, along with a diverse collection of mature trees that create an Old English park atmosphere. The reserve includes open lawns, a sunken garden and a central pavilion that provide spaces for relaxation and gatherings.
The park supports a range of recreational activities including cricket and football on dedicated sports fields, walking and cycling on shared paths, and family use of the inclusive playground. Recent council projects have focused on decommissioning the former Frimley Pools complex, with pool infrastructure removal scheduled to begin in 2026 and the site returned to grassed open space.
Visitor experience centres on the seasonal displays in the rose garden, the sensory and accessible play equipment, and the shade provided by historic trees. The park connects to surrounding streets via paths suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, with vehicle access limited inside the reserve for safety.
The Rose Garden
The rose garden forms a highlight of Frimley Park, with more than 5,500 roses planted in formal beds surrounded by mature trees. A central pavilion offers a focal point for visitors, while paved paths and seating allow comfortable exploration of the fragrant displays.
Seasonal blooms peak in spring and summer, drawing garden enthusiasts and photographers. The garden is maintained by Hastings District Council with support from local groups, and events such as Rose Sunday are held annually.
Playground and Facilities
The inclusive playground features wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory elements and brightly coloured astro-turf zones that aid navigation for children with varying abilities. A double zipline and other play structures provide active options within a supervised layout.
Additional amenities include picnic tables, a petanque court (BYO boules), restrooms and open grassed areas. Sports fields cater for football and cricket, with bookings managed through the council.
Walking and Cycling
Shared paths link Frimley Road and Lyndhurst Road, providing easy routes for walking and cycling through the park’s landscapes. These paths connect the rose garden, playground and sports areas while remaining suitable for a range of fitness levels.
Traffic calming measures on nearby roads improve safety for park users. The network forms part of broader local connections, allowing visitors to extend outings toward other reserves in the Hastings area.
Historical Background
Frimley Park originated from land gifted in 1951 by the Williams family in memory of James Nelson Williams and Mary Margaret Williams. The donation followed the 1950 fire that destroyed the Frimley homestead on the original estate.
A sundial memorial was unveiled in 1953 to mark the gift. James Nelson Williams had earlier contributed to regional development through agricultural innovation on the Frimley Estate. The park continues to reflect this legacy through its preserved trees and formal garden design.
Hastings Parks and Reserves
Hastings District Council manages numerous parks and reserves across the district, with Frimley Park serving as a key central example. Other notable reserves include Windsor Park, Flaxmere Park and various sportsgrounds that support community recreation and events.
Many reserves feature sports fields, playgrounds and walking paths, with booking systems available for organised activities. Reserve management plans guide maintenance, development and public use across the network.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise the vibrant rose displays and the well-designed inclusive playground that suits children of all abilities. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere under mature trees and the convenient paths for walking or cycling with family.
Reviewers note the park’s suitability for picnics and casual sports, along with easy street parking. Some mention the recent changes to the former pool area and ongoing council improvements to paths and gardens.
Where to Learn More
Hastings District Council – Frimley Park: Official page with facilities, maps and booking information.
Hastings District Council – Parks and Reserves: Overview of reserves across the district and management details.
Hastings District Council – Frimley Park Project: Updates on decommissioning and future use of the former pools site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Frimley Park?
Dogs are permitted on a leash except on sports fields and playgrounds. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Is parking available at Frimley Park?
Free parking is available on surrounding streets such as Lyndhurst Road. Vehicle access inside the park is restricted.
What are the park’s opening hours?
Frimley Park is open 24 hours a day, though some facilities may have limited nighttime access.
Are there BBQ facilities?
Picnic areas are available; portable BBQs may be used in designated spots subject to fire restrictions and council rules.
Can I picnic at Frimley Park?
Yes, picnic tables and open grassed areas are provided throughout the park.
Is the playground accessible?
The playground includes wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory features and coloured astro-turf for easier navigation.
What sports are played at the park?
Cricket and football fields are available, with bookings handled through Hastings District Council.
Is the former aquatic centre still operating?
The Frimley Pools complex is being decommissioned, with infrastructure removal planned from 2026 and the site returned to open space.
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