Tucked between Shirley Drive and Old Shoreham Road, this is an unlovely squarish field with a small pavilion at the centre. For others, it is an obstacle to be crossed in the evening on the way from Hove Station to Hove Park Road and beyond!
The land on which Hove Recreation Ground was later laid out was once part of the Stanford Estate and situated in the parish of West Preston. In March 1886 Mr Benett-Stanford offered Hove Commissioners 20 acres of land at a specially reduced price because it was to become a recreation ground.
In fact, the conveyance was not drawn up until six years later. The delay between the transactions was because Hove Commissioners did not pay the balance of money owing (namely £9,000) until November 1893.
Hove Recreation Ground is a rather special site in terms of its trees. Apart from the regular species of elm planted around the centre of the park, there are, to its northern perimeter, examples of Wych elm cultivars. Many of these are almost impossible to find anywhere else in the UK.
The small brick building (now derelict) in the corner of the park was used by the Park keeper in the late 60s – early 70s, he used to tell off the kids climbing the trees!!
The perimeter path within Hove Recreation Ground is exactly 1100 metres long. Great for running.
In addition there are facilities for watching a game of Rugby.