I have lived in Dover my whole life and Connaught Park is the only park in Dover. Since moving in with my girlfriend and her two dogs, two years ago, I have found myself to be quite a regular visitor to Connaught Park as its a lovely place to walk the dog or to just chill on a summers day.
History Connaught Park was the first park to ever be built in Dover and dates back to Victorian times. Connaught Park was first opened on 1st May 1883, although it was actually formally opened on the 14th of July 1884 by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. A tree was planted near to the pond along with a plaque which commemorated the event. This tree and plaque still stand here today. When the park was first opened
it covered 25 acres and had two entrances. Not long after it was first opened, it was decided that the park was going to be extended, and a third entrance was made. This extension meant the park now covered 30 acres. A famous landmark in Connaught Park was an archway made from the jaw of a whale. This archway was donated to Dover town in 1866. However, through the years, the archway decayed and became dangerous and unsteady. Before Dover Town Council decided to do anything about it, vandals cut down the archway and it was taken away completely a few weeks later.
The Park Today Connaught Park does not seem to have changed much since it was originally opened in Victorian times. When I was younger, there used to be a small café inside the park, near to the pond which served ice creams, snack foods and hot and cold drinks. However, this café closed probably about 10 years ago and the building still remains derelict inside the park today which seems a shame. The park consists of landscaped gardens and concrete walkways which are suitable for disabled persons. On the lower level of the park, there are lawns and flowerbeds, as well as a large concrete bird bath which has been there for as long as I can remember! There is also a large pond on the lower level which has a fountain in the middle. Just as you enter the park, you will find an aviary which is the newest addition to the park, although again this was probably added around 20 years ago. The aviary is large ands holds a variety of birds such as budgies, cockatiels and finches. Recently, there has been discussion to have the aviary removed due to there not being any money for the up-keep of it. Another change that has been noticed at Connaught Park, is the fact that the flower beds have been reduced. This again is down to the fact that maintaining them is costing Dover Town Council too much money! On the upper part of the park there are foot paths which lead around the park and provide excellent views across Dover Town. Also on the upper part of the park you will find a large children play area complete with swings, a slide and several climbing frames. There are concrete and grass tenniscourts available for visitors to use, although you do have to pay for this. The prices are £3.60 for adults and £1.30 for children and OAPs. However, there is not a member of staff on duty for you to pay so quite often you can have a game of tennis without having to pay but be aware that occasionally a member of staff will walk around the park and ask you to pay so always have some money ready. In total there are 2 concrete tennis courts which are open all year and there are 8 grassed courts which are only meant to be open during the summer although they can be accessed all year round.
Summary Personally, I quite like Connaught Park. Its a nice place to sit in the summer, and visitors are more than welcome to hold picnics on the grassy areas. It makes a nice setting for a family day out as the adults can just sit back and relax while the kids play in the play area or kick a ball around on the open grassy areas! Myself and my girlfriend enjoy walking our dogs here, and dogs are allowed off the lead throughout the whole of the park, although dog owners are asked to clear up after their dogs and bins are provided for them to do so. The park is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Entrance to the park is totally free.
Pictures of Connaught Park, Dover
The pond, taken from the top half of the park, looking down
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