Introduction
Gillingham Park is a public park created on land purchased in 1903, designed by J. Redfern.
The site was left as public open space and part was designed as an ornamental garden. Trees planted at that time give the park its character today, despite severe losses in the 1987 storm.
Flowering cherries, holly, magnolia, almond and catalpa have been added, with borders of shrubs, bulbs and seasonal planting providing colour. The mock-Tudor lodge of 1904 is in Council use.
The park features a bandstand, large open grassed areas and is surrounded by circular walks.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
This is a municipal site for general public use. Please see: http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/leisure/parks/2156.html
Directions
There are entrances to the park on Canterbury Street, Park Avenue and Oxford Road.
Owners
Medway Council
Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham Kent, ME4 4TROther Websites
- History
The population of Gillingham doubled in the last quarter of the 19th century, creating a vital need for recreational space. An area of pasture was purchased by the Council in 1903 from Brasenose College, Oxford. The park was designed by J Redfern, the council's surveyor, and was opened in 1906.
Period
- 20th Century (1901 to 2000)
- Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
Conservation Area
- Reference: Gillingham Park
Features
- Walk
- Description: Circular walks.
- Bandstand
- Gate Lodge
- Description: The mock-Tudor lodge of 1904 is in Council use.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces
Period
20th Century (1901 to 2000)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Kent Gardens Trust {A Presentation of Parks: A survey of amenity parks and gardens in Kent} (Kent Gardens Trust) 15 A Presentation of Parks: A survey of amenity parks and gardens in Kent
- LDA Design {Gillingham Park: Conservation Management Plan} (2006) Gillingham Park: Conservation Management Plan