This reserve is named after Martin Luther (Lou) Sleeman. Lou was born in Paul, Cornwall, UK April 1909. His parents were William Henry and Mary Sleeman. William was a miner by trade. In 1922 Lou, aged 13, along with his parents and his five siblings immigrated to New Zealand from England on the Ruapehu, settling in Waihi. Lou started his career as a farm labourer on his brother Phillip's farm in Te Poi, then a Surfaceman for the Railway in Tirau from 1938-1943. He was listed as living in Whitianga from 1946 and was a barman then driver. Lou never married and loved gardening so he looked after the reserve. Lou died in 1987 and is buried at the Totara Memorial Park Cemetery in Thames.

Step into explore the rich heritage of Te Whanganui o Hei Mercury Bay.