About Sir Basil Arthur Park
Sir Basil Arthur Park is a large sports and recreation complex on Washdyke Flat, just north of Timaru in Canterbury (www.timaru.govt.nz ). The 67.5 hectare site was originally a farm purchased by the Timaru City Council (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Today about 11.2 ha of it are laid out as playing fields, with the remainder leased as a training farm by Ara Institute. The park is named after Sir Basil Malcolm Arthur, a longtime Timaru MP who later became Speaker of the House (www.timaru.govt.nz ) (wuhootimaru.co.nz ). Local lore notes that Arthur, a down-to-earth working man, joked that the title “Sir” didn’t suit someone “with calloused hands and muddy boots” (wuhootimaru.co.nz ) – a fitting legacy for a grassroots sports venue. Signature features of the park include its free-draining soil (so fields stay usable even when other local venues are waterlogged) and its mix of outdoor fields and an indoor sports centre (the Washdyke Community and Sports Centre) (www.timaru.govt.nz ) (www.timaru.govt.nz ).
Events and Programming
Sir Basil Arthur Park hosts a wide variety of community and sporting events year-round. It is a major hub for football (soccer) and softball in South Canterbury. During the winter season the grass pitches are filled with local league and junior soccer matches every weekend (www.timaru.govt.nz ). In summer, the park’s six softball diamonds become busy with club and representative games – even regional championships, like the South Island U15 Softball tournament held here in January 2024 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ) (www.sporty.co.nz ). The indoor Washdyke Centre provides courts for tennis and squash, and is often used for training, community classes and club nights (www.timaru.govt.nz ) (www.sporty.co.nz ). In addition to sports, the park has hosted special events over the years – for example a charity “Gumboot Toss” competition and softball Homerun Derby in early 2022 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), a local badminton social night in 2021 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), and an outdoor ASB Night Flicks drive-in cinema in 2020 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Many of these events are family-friendly and affordable: local football and softball games usually have free or very low-cost admission. (When paid events do occur, tickets are generally offered through the organising club or council.)
Tickets and Booking
Most activities at Sir Basil Arthur Park are community sports events with no formal tickets – spectators can usually just walk in. For club tournaments or school events, any entry fee is typically set by the host organisation. When a fee is charged for a tournament or special event (such as a fundraising derby or large championship), tickets are often sold through the local association or at the gate. For example, during its drive-in cinema in 2020 cars needed a ticket to enter the parking field (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). There is no dedicated “box office” at the park, so for any event it’s best to check with the Timaru District Council or the specific sports club for details. For hiring the indoor center or fields, the council handles bookings – fees and conditions are listed on the District Council’s website (e.g. a minimum two-hour hire applies, and extra deposit/security fees may be required) (www.timaru.govt.nz ) (www.timaru.govt.nz ). In practice, local sports clubs often arrange use of the facility through the council in advance.
Seating and Layout
Sir Basil Arthur Park has no large stadium stands – the outdoor fields are open-air with grass surfaces. Spectators typically stand or bring chairs along the sidelines of the soccer or softball fields. The main softball diamonds are laid out in a fan-shape around a central clubhouse and backstop area, with room for standing room and small temporary bleachers. For soccer games, the best views are along the sidelines on either side of the pitch. There are 6 softball/baseball diamonds on site (www.sporty.co.nz ), as well as a couple of full-size soccer fields. Because there are no fixed seats, every viewing spot is general admission – arrive early for prime spots at busy matches. The indoor Washdyke Community Sports Centre has a gymnasium (sports hall) and a bar/lounge. The gym space can accommodate about 200 people (www.timaru.govt.nz ) (this serves as the capacity for indoor events). A smaller meeting room inside another block holds about 50 people (www.timaru.govt.nz ). There is no VIP seating or exclusive boxes – it’s a very casual, community-focused layout. Remember that the sports centre floor is hard wood (for squash/tennis), so if viewing an indoor event it may be bench/table seating rather than theatre chairs.
Getting There and Parking
Sir Basil Arthur Park is located at the northern end of Timaru’s urban area on Washdyke Flat. The main entrance is off State Highway 8 (Racecourse Road) just past the 100 km/h speed zone (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Its address can be given as Racecourse Road, Washdyke, Timaru. Driving is the most common way to reach the park. A spacious free car park was built by the council for users of the park (expanded around 2014) (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Use this parking lot rather than the roadside; it offers dozens of spaces safely off the highway. Most events expect visitors to arrive by car. There is no overnight camping or coach parking – if using a taxi or tour bus, the drop-off point is in front of the clubrooms. Public transportation is limited since it’s a rural edge location. However, the Timaru MyWay on-demand bus network covers Washdyke. You can book a MyWay ride via the Metro Timaru app to get dropped near the park or in Washdyke village (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Outside the MyWay hours (evenings and public holidays) your other options are taxi or private shuttle. The park is about a 10-minute drive from central Timaru, and roughly halfway along the Timaru-Christchurch route. Allow extra travel time for weekend events.
Inside the Venue
The atmosphere inside Sir Basil Arthur Park is laid-back and family-friendly. The entrance to the outdoor grounds is open (no turnstiles or formal ticket gates). At large events or tournaments there may be a check-in tent or a sign-in sheet, but otherwise you simply walk in. Security is casual – local sports clubs and parent volunteers keep an eye on things. In the fields area, expect a mix of grassy berms and clubhouse areas. There are permanent toilets and changing rooms in the softball club pavilion (free for players and spectators) (www.sporty.co.nz ). Indoors, the Washdyke Centre has separate groomed facilities: a gym hall (used for sports and functions), squash courts, and a lounge bar area. During events and trainings, the lounge can serve as a equipment staging or resting area. A licensed bar may operate during sports tournaments, but alcohol is usually sold by the organizing club (you cannot simply bring your own drinks without permission). There are no food vendors on site as a rule, except occasional mobile stalls during big events. Visitors often bring their own snacks or have a barbecue (gas BBQs only, no open charcoal fires per park rules (www.timaru.govt.nz )). Keep in mind mobile phone reception is patchy here, and there is no public Wi-Fi. This is a rural park built for sport, not a high-tech arena – lighting is limited to floodlights on the main fields for late-afternoon games, and sound systems are only used for announcements or entertainment at specific events.
Nearby Amenities
The park sits on the edge of Timaru, so amenities are a short drive away in town. In Washdyke Flat itself (just north of the park) there is a small shopping area with a café, dairy and convenience store at the corner of State Highway 8. For a wider range of restaurants and bars, head into central Timaru (about 5 km south). Stafford Street and George Street in Timaru have cafes, family restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Popular spots include local cafes such as Urban Soul Food or Indian restaurants near the CBD (Timaru is known for good South Indian cuisine). After events you can also find takeaway fish-and-chip shops on Stafford Street, or grab modern Kiwi pub fare along the waterfront area at Caroline Bay (10 min drive). In case you want a longer meal, there are family diners and even a classic New Zealand barbecue restaurant (like the BBQ Cafe) within 10 minutes of the park. Late-night options are limited – after about 10pm your best bet is to eat in Timaru or bring food in advance. As for accommodation, there are several motels and lodges along Allendale and Wai-iti Roads near Washdyke and adjacent suburbs. Booking a Washdyke or Timaru motel will put you within a few km of the venue. If coming by aircraft, Timaru has a regional airport; otherwise Christchurch or Dunedin (2–3 hr drive away) are the nearest major airports.
What Makes This Venue Special
Sir Basil Arthur Park’s charm lies in its blend of sporting purpose and local history. Architecturally it’s nothing extravagant – flat grass fields and a modest community hall – but it stands out as a true rural Kiwi sports hub. For one, the park is unusually large, with six softball diamonds – rare in small towns – plus multiple football pitches all in one complex (www.sporty.co.nz ). The location on Washdyke Flat gives wide-open skies and a sense of country space, even though Timaru’s suburbs are nearby. This stretch of Pleasant Point Highway has a strong sporting tradition: for example, fields drain so well that teams often choose SBAP over city grounds after rain (www.timaru.govt.nz ). The venue also carries the legacy of Sir Basil Arthur, a colourful local figure. Arthur was Timaru’s MP for 30 years and Speaker in the 1970s, but always remained a working-class champion. His influence helped bring government investment and community projects to Timaru; the clubroom signage and a school swimming pool also bear his name. A local historian even quips that you can still “see his footprint” here – the park was expressly named in his honour (wuhootimaru.co.nz ). Community pride runs high: athletes here burn off some of the same spirit that Basil championed. In that sense, SBAP is special as a hometown venue where everyone from schoolkids to pensioners comes together. It hosts everything from grassroots football trials to festive fundraisers like gumboot-throwing contests, giving it a character far beyond its simple facilities. Whether for Minnows vs. Sharks junior soccer or a South Island softball final, visitors and players alike appreciate the park’s down-to-earth vibe and pastoral setting. It’s beloved not for luxury, but for being a workhorse of the South Canterbury sports scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Sir Basil Arthur Park is mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly. Access routes from the car park to the fields are level ground. The Washdyke Community Sports Centre (indoor hall) has ramp access and accessible toilets. If you need assistance parking, there are accessible spots right by the club. (Note that dogs are not allowed on any sports fields by council regulations (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Only assistance dogs are exempt.)
What to Bring: Dress casually and for the weather. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on grass. Pack sunscreen, a hat and water on sunny days; bring rain gear or an umbrella for wet weather (the fields drain well, but heavy rain may delay play). Since there are no permanent food outlets, consider bringing snacks or a picnic. A portable chair or blanket is handy for sideline viewing. Cash or card may not be especially necessary, but if you plan to use the lounge bar during events, have a small amount for drinks or to cover any TAB betting facilities. Remember it can get windy, so anchor any canopies or umbrellas. The park is smoke-free and kite-flying is popular on the open fields.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t park along the highway – always use the official lot. Avoid charcoal barbecues or open fires (only gas BBQs are permitted (www.timaru.govt.nz )). All admission should be free unless specifically posted; if anyone tries to charge you without approval, let event staff know (unauthorised commercial events are not allowed in the park (www.timaru.govt.nz )). For big game days, arrive early (30–45 min before kickoff) to claim a good spot and avoid last-minute parking stress. If you need to leave early, note the footpaths behind the fields connect back to the car park so you can avoid the crowd. Also, remember there’s no Uber/ride-share in Timaru – pre-book any taxi or shuttle service if you’re going late.
Rules and Policies: As a public park, visitors are expected to follow council “dos and don’ts” – be respectful of other users. No littering: bins are provided. Only park vehicles in marked areas (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Open alcohol is banned unless there is a licensed bar on site (do not bring your own alcohol). No camping or overnight parking is allowed. Wildlife rules don’t usually apply here, but keep an eye out for large rabbit warrens in the long grass. Follow any instructions by match officials or security, especially regarding ball retrieval (the fences can back up footballs or softballs!). Finally, Timaru’s weather can change quickly; if a field looks closed or an event’s been cancelled, check the local sports Facebook or contact the hosting club for updates. The council also updates cancellations on its website when needed.
What sports and activities are held at Sir Basil Arthur Park?
Primarily it’s a venue for team sports. In winter you’ll find soccer (football) leagues and junior matches on the grass fields (www.timaru.govt.nz ). In summer the focus shifts to softball (New Zealand baseball) competitions – the park has six diamonds (www.sporty.co.nz ). The indoor Washdyke Centre is used for tennis, squash and indoor sports training (www.timaru.govt.nz ). The park also hosts occasional community events like fun runs, gumboot tosses, or outdoor movie nights (e.g. a drive-in cinema in 2020 (www.eventfinda.co.nz )). Essentially any local field sport or club event can be held here.
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Sir Basil Arthur Park?
Most of the time, no tickets are needed for park sports and its generally free to enter as a spectator. Local league games and training sessions have open access. For larger events (like a tournament final or a special screening) there might be a small admission fee charged by the organizers. In those cases, tickets or wristbands are sold by the hosting club or event promoters. Check ahead with Timaru District Council or the relevant sports club if you think tickets might be required for your visit.
How do I access Sir Basil Arthur Park using public transport?
Public transport is limited because it’s on the outskirts of Timaru. However, the Timaru MyWay on-demand bus service does cover Washdyke Flats (www.timaru.govt.nz ). You can download the Metro Timaru app and book a MyWay ride to the nearest designated stop. Otherwise, regular bus routes don’t run to the park directly. If coming from Timaru city centre (around 5 km south), the easiest way outside MyWay hours is by taxi or rideshare. Walking from Timaru is possible (about 1 hour), but not recommended late at night. Note there’s no train – Timaru is the nearest station and the park is still some distance away.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes. A dedicated car park serves the fields. It’s free for park visitors, and built to accommodate cars, vans and team buses. The lot was expanded in recent years so you don’t need to park on the roadside (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Arrive early for big events to get a spot close to the entrance. Note that overnight parking or camping in the lot is not allowed.
Are there reserved seats or is seating general admission?
Seating is entirely general admission. The outdoor fields have no built-in stands, so spectators usually stand or bring their own chairs along the sidelines. For indoor events in the Washdyke centre, seating is casual (folding chairs or bench seats may be used). There are no VIP or assigned seats – it’s first-come basis. If you want a guaranteed good view at a crowded match, try to arrive early and set up near the halfway line or beside the pitcher’s circle in softball.
What facilities are inside Sir Basil Arthur Park?
In the sports centre building you’ll find a large gymnasium (sports hall), which can host up to about 200 people (www.timaru.govt.nz ), plus a smaller meeting room (about 50 capacity). There are squash and possibly tennis courts under that roof as well. Adjacent to the outdoor fields is a clubroom with public toilets and basic changerooms (www.sporty.co.nz ). There’s also a bar/lounge area inside the centre (operated by local clubs during events). Outside, there are picnic tables and a children’s playground in the corner of the park, and playing fields with some small covered dugouts for sports teams.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The park grounds are flat and the main pathways from the car park have level surfaces. The Washdyke Community Sports Centre has ramped entrances and accessible bathrooms. There are marked parking spots for disabled visitors right next to the building. In practice, the fields are grass so maneuvering on them can be tricky, but the council provides access points to each field area. If visiting in a wheelchair, you may want to stay on the main flat pathways or sit at the edge of the fields. Always let event staff know if you need assistance.
Can I bring a pet or dog into the park?
No, dogs are not permitted on the playing fields or within 10 meters of sporting equipment per council bylaws (www.timaru.govt.nz ). You must keep any pet on a leash and off the turf areas. The park is primarily for sport, so pets can’t roam the grounds freely. (Service animals for disabled visitors are allowed.) If you came with a pet, plan to keep it in the car or at home during events.
What should I not bring or do at Sir Basil Arthur Park?
Avoid anything that violates the council’s park rules: no smoking, no open fires, no glass bottles on the fields, and no unsanctioned commercial activity (www.timaru.govt.nz ). Don’t park on the grass or road. Alcohol is banned in public areas of the park unless sold by a licensed vendor on site (www.timaru.govt.nz ), so don’t bring your own. Also, keep clear of playing surfaces and sports equipment (e.g. don’t chase balls onto the pitch). If you’re spectating, do not interfere with the game or block other viewers. Finally, stay off any restricted areas marked by fences or ropes – those are usually reserved for players and staff.
