 The park dates back to the late-19th century, and is considered one of the city's most distinguished open spaces.It may be considered Auckland's oldest Municipal park as the Auckland Domain was created by Central Government.The original parcel of land set aside in 1871 consisted of a coffin-shaped wedge going from Ponsonby Road down to Beresford Street, with access to the park being gained from a very narrow frontage on Ponsonby Road.