Village at the Park is located on the former Athletic Park site.
Athletic Park was opened in April 1896 and continued its fine sporting traditions until the final rugby match was held, 103 years later, in October 1999.
The stands of Athletic Park were an icon of the local skyline, and many Wellingtonians will remember hearing the roar of a frenzied crowd as legendary rugby players thundered towards the try line.
Thousands of children also swarmed Athletic Park to see the Queen during her visit to New Zealand in 1954.
The Park is steeped in history and has seen celebration, team camaraderie, and passionate spirit over many years.
These qualities continue to fow into the atmosphere of the village today.
Village at the Park is very proud of its history and to recognise this, we have named our care facility wings after two women who had long standing involvement with Athletic Park -
Mary Coleman and Rawinia Buchanan.
- Mary Coleman Our hospital unit at Village at the Park has been named in memory of Mary Coleman.
Mary was a nurse in the Middle East during World War 2.
She was Athletic Park's long serving honorary St John's Ambulance Assosiation registered nurse.
Mary was the one woman in the history of the park, to have unofficial access to the dressing rooms after a game.
- Rawinia Buchanan Our 30 bed dementia unit at Village at the Park is named in memory of Rawinia Buchanan. Rawinia was known as the 'iron lady' of Athletic Park. Rawinia controlled all the ticketing reservations at the venue for 50 years.
Village at the Park has set a high standard in both the quality of its buildings and in the services and activities it offers.
This has resulted in a strong demand from people wishing to access our village. Village at the Park provides a community within a community, offering companionship, security and new experiences.
