Memorial park honours local servicemen

A new memorial park at the site of the Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library offers the local community a place of reflection and refuge.

The War Memorial Library at 372 Riccarton Road was built in 1919 to commemorate residents who served in World War I.

The library subsequently became a place to honour soldiers with links to the area who served in World War II and later conflicts, and was run by volunteers until its closure in 2017 due to earthquake risks.

Community Parks Manager Al Hardy says the new memorial park preserves the spirit of remembrance while connecting to our shared history.

“Like the library that previously stood at the site, this memorial provides a place to honour our war veterans while remembering the site’s history and the commitment of the library volunteers,” Mr Hardy says.

The new space has two park benches and a picnic table, a path and other paved areas, trees, shrubs and a frame for climbing plants.

Artwork designed by local artist Dcypher and painted with artist Drows showcases bookshelves holding artifacts from the library, war memorabilia and nostalgic New Zealand items. The mural was supported through the Christchurch City Council's Place Partnership Fund and coordinated by Watch This Space. 

“The park acknowledges the legacy of the site by maintaining aspects of the old library, including the front façade of the building, signage, foundation stone and the book return holder,” Mr Hardy says.

A roll of honour in memory of Upper Riccarton and Sockburn soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars stands within the park.

Alongside this, an interpretation panel tells the story of the War Memorial Library and provides a link to Canterbury Stories.

“We invite members of the local community to join at the park as a quiet place to reflect and remember our history,” Mr Hardy says.

An official public opening for the Upper Riccarton Memorial Park will be held at 11am on Saturday 16 August.