Garden reserve steeped in history

NORMAN Park, now known as Munro Martin Park, was Cairns’ first recreational reserve, gazetted in 1882.

Tenders were let to clear the reserve at the end of 1887, and sporting groups lobbied the council to fence the reserve so they could hold sporting events.

In 1888, the Cairns Cricket Club obtained permission to build a cricket pitch.

A year later, the council received applications for the construction of a running track and tennis courts.

The reserve was named Norman Park at a Council meeting on 8 May 1890, after the then governor of the colony of Queensland, Sir Henry Wylie Norman who had just visited Cairns.

After conflict between sporting groups regarding access to the park, in 1909 the park committee recommended that sporting bodies move their activities to other venues and that the park be laid out as a garden.

Over the years the park has played an important part in the daily life of the Cairns community.

In the past, the park has served as an important community venue for activities other than sporting events.

A circus was held in the grounds in 1891, a memorial service on the death of King Edward VII in 1910, and children assembled there in 1935 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V.

Brass band contests were held there regularly.

The park was named after Miss Margaret Martin, and her half-sister Miss Janet Munro, in honour of their community service.

These sisters shared a close family bond, and were known for their philanthropic work.

The Cairns Civic Centre was built on the south side of this former park, in 1974.