The site has long been used for sporting activities and displays since it became a cricket ground and pavilion in 1884, then owned by William Rickford Esq.

Because Aylesbury was much smaller and more rural there did not seem to be a need for a park with horticultural displays and entertainment elements associated with public parks at the time.

As a result the formalisation of the gardens did not appear for some time.

In the 1920s the park was then linked with Thomas Mawson and Son, a well known and highly regarded park design company of the time.

The final design by Edward Mawson was finally decided upon and much of the layout is still visible today, originally worked so that more could be added if and when funds became available.

The design was not completely that of Mawson because it was deemed too expensive and the borough engineer reworked the plans in 1932.

The park was designed to provide a logical structure of paths through the site with focal points and a quiet garden area separate to the sports area.

In 1937 the park was opened with structures and sports facilities that, although having been upgraded, are still in the same place as they always have been.

In 1926 the land was registered as a sports ground, but in 1937 Mayor Adkins referred to purchase of the Vale ground as happening in 1928. It was at this time that they were said to be considering buying more land, a triangle section from the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company for £770.

Money for this was raised through an £800 loan from the Minister of Health to be repaid over 60 years.

Parks were, much as today, not just used for people's physical well being, but also for entertainment and education. However they were more of a focal point for band performances, dances and political rallies.

The Vale of Aylesbury Athletic Club (est. 1893) and the Vale of Aylesbury Bicycle Club (est. 1880), held activities at the park for the public and in his speech to mark the opening of Vale Park, Mayor Adkins recalled watching cycle races there as a child. Unfortunately membership and activities of the athletic club were affected by the First World War and the depression.

More recently more trees and bulbs have been planted in a bid to increase indigenous tree planting under the 'Trees Please' banner.

What are your memories of Vale Park?

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