Keith Hay Park

In 1879, Keith Hay Park was anything but a park. It was a swampy expanse, described as “cleared, beautifully undulating country dotted with picturesque homesteads and sheening in emerald green with the verdure of luxuriant crops.” Fast forward to today, and we stand at Keith Hay Park, a vibrant hub for sports and recreation in Mount Roskill, Auckland. This transformation from swamp to sporting ground is a testament to the vision of Keith Hay, the former mayor of Mt Roskill Borough Council, after whom the park is named. He played a key role in developing the surrounding land, leaving a lasting legacy for the community. Keith Hay Park isn’t just green space. It’s the home of Auckland United, a prominent football club competing in the New Zealand National League and Northern League. The echoes of cheering fans and the thud of footballs are a regular soundtrack here. If you’re a gymnastics enthusiast, you might recognize Keith Hay Park as the home of the Tri Star Gymnastics Club. The park isn’t limited to football and gymnastics. Cricket matches fill the summer air, with Eden Roskill Cricket Club calling this one of their home grounds. Beyond the fields, you’ll find Cameron Pools and Leisure Centre, offering a refreshing escape. Keith Hay Park also caters to those seeking a more relaxed pace. A playground, accessible toilets, and even a basketball half-court are readily available. In 2014, Keith Hay Park underwent significant improvements. Landscaping, new footpaths, and a massive 7,000 square meters of additional parking were added to accommodate the growing community. More recently, in 2020, Watercare started work on a Central Interceptor site within the park, an essential infrastructure project for Auckland. And if you were here in July 2023, you might have witnessed a unique piece of history. Keith Hay Park hosted an international friendly football match between the New Zealand Women’s team and Italy Women, a warm-up game for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Although played behind closed doors, the match marked the park’s entry into the annals of international football. From swampy beginnings to a modern sporting and recreational hub, Keith Hay Park is a living example of how vision and development can transform a landscape, creating a valuable asset for the community.