It all began back in the 1930s when a group of people led by Henry Major formed a geological society studying local nature history including what was then a wasteland on the northern banks of the Ruamahanga River, coming to the conclusion it would be suitable for a fresh water lake. At the time it housed Misery Farm and a sewage disposal system for Lansdowne. Then in 1966 Mr Major convinced local people of the area's worthiness of creating the lake and formed the Henley Trust keen to create a 40ha lake, large enough to hold regattas for small yachts.
Mr Henry, who studied law at Cambridge had enthusiastically followed the Cambridge/Oxford boat race and, impressed with the Henley stretch of the Thames involved, hoped Henley Lake would be big enough for rowing regattas.
Trustees intended to mine gravel beneath the surface of the soil, using the royalties made to fund development of the lake.
In 1972 the Masterton Borough Council gave its backing with the scheme to be part of the town's facilities. The Masterton County Council and other government authorities also gave their support and the first plans were drawn up filling the entire site, including the current wetlands.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s gravel was mined and large pockets created and in 1982 the Masterton Licensing Trust supported the plans, giving it "major project" status and developers were consulted with a concept plan for a Fantasyland-type development complete with miniature railway and paddle steamers. That was met with community opposition and the plans were modified.
But plans were stymied with the Wairarapa Catchment Board harbouring strong reservations about the future sustainability of such a large lake.
Between 1981 and 1991, basic land development was undertaken with a grant of $120,000 made to the project by the licensing trust followed up in 1989 with a $250,000 donation from the Masterton Charitable Trust with the help of the Masterton Borough Council.
Four years after construction of the lake began, in 1988 the lake was filled for the first time following the planting of more than 3000 trees. Administration of the lake and wetland was then handed over to the Masterton District Council.
In 2003 a new Henley Trust was formed and further developments were undertaken, including lime paths weaving through the area, looping around the lake and wetlands so people could enjoy the park. Many breed of birds have established in the area including ducks and white mute swan.
Hundreds of walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners use the park daily. Dogs can roam unleashed apart from during the bird breeding season - August to November.
The late Gordon Cook, a staunch member of the Henley Trust and Henley Men's Shed left $10,000 to the trust with some of the money used to buy a six-seater golf cart that is used as a fundraiser to help maintain the area.
So far mainly elderly residents have been using the service but the trust hopes other people will also start making use of it. It's a wonderful place for families to spend a day.
Dotted along the paths are many places where you can stop and take a break on park benches.
Two viewing towers offer a bird's-eye view across the wetlands and lake.
Climbing frames and fences and monkey bars offer children and the fit a place to stretch themselves.
Take along a bag of bread and you will soon have the birdlife flocking for a feed.
This is a perfect place to spend the day. Walks can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 covering between 1.6km or 2km.
If you would like to take the ride with a driver sharing the history of the park call Kevin on (06) 377 1236. Rides cost $6 per person.
Additional information Wairarapa Archive
