The gates have been refurbished after they were damaged in the 20111 earthquake and will be formally rededicated by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger on Armistice Day, November 11, at 12.30pm.
Christchurch Memorial RSA president Dennis Mardle says the gates were built on Stevens St in 1924 to commemorate the sacrifice of Canterbury athletes in World War 1.
“We’re inviting the community to join us in one minute’s silence to honour them as part of the rededication of the memorial,” says Mardle.
Christchurch City Council head of parks Andrew Rutledge says the refurbishment started in 2021 as part of the wider Lancaster Park redevelopment project.
“Lancaster Park is such an iconic part of Christchurch. Generations of Cantabrians have such strong memories associated with this place and we’ve been working to make sure that history is preserved and celebrated,” said Rutledge.
The council is also unveiling an ‘Arc of History’ installation, consisting of a series of panels that showcase the unique story behind Lancaster Park.
“The images shown on the Arc of History have been sourced from various collections from across the country. From Peter Snell’s 800m record to U2 playing to a crowd of 60,000, the arc captures a range of sporting and cultural moments from the past 130 years," said Rutledge.
“Special guests with links to Lancaster Park have been invited to reveal the 12 panels of the Arc of History to the public. We are hoping to have many of the people depicted in the Arc of History, or their family representatives, involved in the unveiling.
“Members of the Victory Park Board, a group of volunteers who maintained Lancaster Park for many years, have also been invited to participate."
Parking for the event will be available off Lismore St, Wilsons Rd North and Stevens St.
