Windback Wednesday - Kensington Park

Kensington Park was once part of George Frederick Shipster’s land, known locally as Shipster’s Paddock. The Shipster family generously allowed local children to use the paddock for football and cricket. However, in 1865, the land was subdivided into 50 allotments, displacing the children who had enjoyed the open space. Thanks to community support, funds were raised to preserve some of the land for a park, leading to the creation of Kensington Park Oval.

Before it became Kensington Park, the area was divided into several smaller subdivisions, including Boskenna, Roseville, St Michaels, Beulah Estate, Halton Gardens, and North Kensington Park. Eventually, the area adopted the name Kensington Park, inspired by the suburb of Kensington in London.

Photograph: Horse jumping competition at Kensington Oval, circa 1920s. Burnside Local History Collection.