Hagley Oval is a cricket ground in Hagley Park in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand. The first recorded match on the ground was in 1867, when Canterbury cricket team hosted Otago cricket team. Canterbury used the ground infrequently from then through until the 1920s, but hardly stopped during World War I.
Aerial view of Hagley Oval: North is the Botanic Gardens end, East is the historic Umpires' Pavilion side, South is the Port Hills end and West is the Christ's College cricket ground end
Application for the Cricket Pitch at Hagley Park, Christchurch, 1855
Acceptance of Lease of land for Cricket Pitch at Hagley Park, Christchurch – 1856
The ground in 2007
Hagley Park, Christchurch
Hagley Park is the largest urban open space in Christchurch, New Zealand, and was created in 1855 by the Provincial Government. According to the government's decree at that time, Hagley Park is "reserved forever as a public park, and shall be open for the recreation and enjoyment of the public." Hagley Park is characterised by its trees and broad open spaces. Hagley Park was named after Hagley Park, the country estate of Lord Lyttelton, who became chairman of the Canterbury Association in March 1850.
Aerial view of Hagley Park, showing (from top) North Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, and South Hagley Park
Cherry blossoms flowering during springtime in Hagley Park
North Hagley Park, late afternoon in winter
Little Hagley Park (north of Harper Ave) in summer