Croydon Library has many pictures and documents relating to the rec.Below are minutes from council meetings. The municipal borough of Croydon was formed in 1883 as a result of the Croydon Corporation Act. The rec was the first council owned park:
THE ROADS COMMITTEE - 1st April 1884
(Present) Chair - Alderman Layton. Councillors Aldridge, Allen, Foulsham, Garney, Grant, Goodwin, Podmore, J.Smith W.T. Smith, Steele and Taylor
The Roads Committee recommend the land at Thornton Heath belonging to the Corporation, be laid out a Recreation ground in the manner suggested by the Road Surveyor at an estimated cost not exceeding £232.
THE ROADS COMMITTEE - 28th April 1884
Mr Lake awarded contract for the Recreation Ground at a cost of £218
THE ROADS COMMITTEE - 3rd August 1886
A letter (of complaint) was read out suggesting steps should be taken to complete the making up of Thornton Heath Recreation Ground by filling up the ditches and planting the shrubs.
The Committee recommend the writer be requested to state what is really desired to complete the making up of the ground to satisfy the inhabitants and frequenters of the ground.
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