Parks and playgrounds directory

Location

Shirley, Shirley Church Road.

Area

8.5 acres 3.44 hectares.

Facilities

• Bowling green and pavilion - see clubs and charges
• Tennis courts. To book a tennis court, please visit Croydon Parks Tennis and select a location
• Childrens playground
• Small car park
• Mature trees set in grassland

History

A local recreation ground which was purchased in 1928 by the Council to preserve an area of open space among the suburban estates which were rapidly developing.  The trees along Shirley Church Road are clearly marked on a map dated 1868 which suggests that the area was well wooded in previous years.  

The ground is opposite St. Johns Church which was started in 1854 to the designs of Sir Gilbert Scott.