The reserve is at the corner of Reservoir and Holbeche roads, about five minutes from the city's CBD.

Joyce Harper is the widow of Gordon Harper, who was one of the three children of William George Harper, who bought the seven-hectare site to build a house for his family in 1891.

She said Gordon, who died last December, sold about five hectares to the council after he was given the assurance the site would become a reserve.

``Gordon and I have fond memories of the property. He trained to be become one of Blacktown's top motorcycle racers, shooters and runners on this site,'' she said.

``It was his dying wish to return the land to the community as a reserve and we'd dearly like it to be named Harpers Reserve.

``Gordon visited it daily, as he has a workshop on the property after we moved to Sunnyholt Road.''

Mrs Harper said her father-in-law had worked as a paint storeman when he bought the property.

``The Harpers were pioneers of Blacktown. They worked hard to help turn Blacktown into a booming city,'' she said.

``Gordon joined the merchant navy when he was only 15 and served in World War II.

``He was very good at repairing all kind of engines and became a mechanical engineer.''

Her nephew John Payne, the executor of the property, the son of Mrs Harper's sister, Betty, said the property was declared a green belt in 1950.

He supports Blacktown Council's plan to turn five hectares into a reserve and for the remaining land to be used for residential development.

Blacktown MP Paul Gibson urged residents to support Mrs Harper, saying it would be fitting to named it after one of Blacktown's finest pioneers.

Residents can write to the Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, to support the proposal before November 17.