This cache is part of a series which encourages visitors to Harpenden to explore Rothamsted Park and the network of footpaths between the Park and the Nicky Line, the branch rail link between Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead which is now a well used National Cycle Route and footpath. Limited free parking at N51 48.816 W0 21.969, restricted parking at N51 48.838 W0 21.327 or Pay & Display at N51 48.846 W0 21.470.
Rothamsted Park was formally part of the Rothamsted estate owned by Sir John Lawes, a descendant of the Wittewronge family who bought the Manor of Rothamsted in 1623. Sir John initiated agricultural experiments in 1843, which led to the founding of the nearby and world famous Rothamsted Experimental Station. He also created the formal entrance from Leyton Road to what is now the Park and planted the avenue of Lime trees. In 1931, the family decided to sell the estate, and after a successful public appeal, the Experimental Station was able to finance the purchase of the estate in 1934. In 1938 the Harpenden Urban District Council purchased the land now known as Rothamsted Park from the Experimental Station, in order to provide playing fields and to preserve an important open space. The Park’s main entrance gates were removed for salvage during the second world war, and after the war the restoration of the entrance was paid for by the Friends Provident Insurance Company.
Rothamsted Park covers 56 acres and offers a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. The new Sports Centre includes a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool and a training pool, a well equipped Sports Hall, a 100 station Gym, and 3 Studios. In one corner of the Park surfaced floodlit courts cater for tennis, netball and 5-a-side football. Outdoor sporting facilities include junior and senior football pitches, 2 cricket squares and an orienteering course. The Park is also home to Harpenden Town Football Club, with plenty of room for spectators. The less sport minded can enjoy a stroll around the Park, with its environmental areas and its footpath links into the countryside, or just relax in the Rose Garden, and for the children well equipped enclosed playgrounds provide plenty of challenges.
A new culture centre, the Eric Morecombe Centre (EMC) named after one of the town’s most famous residents, has been constructed on the site of the former sports centre, close to the main entrance to the Park. The EMC includes a 511-seat theatre boasting state-of-the-art production equipment to allow touring shows to be staged as well as those put on by local groups. There is also an exhibition space with two function rooms, facilities for the Local History Society, bars and a coffee shop with views across the park.