Anyone who has visited Kangaroo Point is probably familiar with the parks along the cliffs: River Terrace, Captain Burke or the new Kangaroo Point Parklands. But a few blocks away, behind The Pineapple Hotel, is Pineapple Park. Its proper name is Raymond Park named after a former Brisbane mayor who lived in Kangaroo Point.
This immense park is rich in history. Before it became Raymond Park, it was known as Pineapple Sportsground. Quite possibly it is the oldest sportsground in Brisbane. The first association football games ever recorded in Brisbane were played on this field in 1884. It is now the home ground of the Kangaroo Point Rovers Football Club; a reincarnation of the original Pineapple Rovers, one of the oldest clubs in Queensland.
It also has two air raid shelters, remnants from World War Two. The brick walls of the shelters have been removed leaving only the pillars and the roof which now serve as additional shade. Most people are probably not aware of their historic significance. One is located behind the Pineapple Hotel on Baines Street and the other is located near Wellington Road.
This park is still very much a sportsground. The soccer field occupies one end of the park while a cricket pitch sits at the other end. For the sports enthusiasts there is also a basketball half-court, skate ramp, bike path and exercise park. If sports aren't your thing, spread out a blanket, relax and have a picnic. A playground, picnic shelter, barbecue and amenities block are located in the center of the park.
And don't forget to take Fido; Raymond Park has a fenced off-leash dog park located next to the parking lot, off Baines Street. Water, bins, benches and shade are all provided here.
If you need another reason to visit Raymond Park, it is also home to the
Home Festival. The inaugural Home Festival was held in June 2011. This free all-ages community event was an eclectic mix of music, markets and workshops including Bollywood dancing, African drumming, Bulgarian singing, songwriting and cubby building.
