A quick timeline exploring some key dates in the history of the green spaces in Cleethorpes.
Back in 1846, maps show enclosures (parcels of land) between the small village of Cleethorpes and Grimsby with large areas around what is now North Cleethorpes being owned by the Thorold family and Sidney Sussex College (in Cambridge).
Clearly these areas go on to become East Marsh (think Grant Thorold park), and the Sidney Sussex Ward…
In 1863 the first Railway Station opens in Cleethorpes. The arrival of the railways brings people, trade, development and tourism.
The Pier opened in 1873.
Work on the promenades start creating the resort of Cleethorpes around 1883.
Pier Gardens open and the Ross Castle folly opens in 1885.
In Sidney Sussex there was Clee Park, but around 1889 this is closed and housing built.
Shortly after, in 1889 Blundell Park opens and the football team move in.
Sidney Park opens to the public in 1904.
Kingsways Gardens open in 1906.
About this time, St Aidans church also was consecrated in 1906.
The “boy with the leaking boot” appears in Kingsway Gardens in 1918.
The Allotments start appearing to be properly marked out on maps between the 1920 and 1930s.
In 1919 permission to start on Sussex Recreation Ground is given and work takes a while. It opens around 1927.
The boating lake opens in 1928.
Haverstoe Park sensory gardens are opened in 1977 by the Queen.
Cleethorpes Country Park opens to the public in 1996 and in 2008 becomes a Local Nature Reserve.