It is possible that the Goodwood Recreation Grounds were originally fields used by William Copeland to stable his racehorses and let them run. It is also possible that the land was used to ‘dump’ the waste from the tunnel and shaft excavations in the early 1800’s railway works – giving the park it’s profile.
Most of the historic maps show the area as empty, and it is possible that the land use, and its topography, relates to the building of the railway line. The two railway air shafts are a constant feature of maps since 1835.
The current large air shaft in the corner of the park was built in 1835 at the time of the tunnel disaster which killed 10-11 of the workers.
The smaller air shaft behind the shops was built with the second railway tunnel.
In 1939 the park had the same rough layout as now – but probably looked somewhat different.
Goodwood Recreation Ground was given a Green Flag Award for 2022/23:
According to an article from the Watford Observer the park was the inspiration for Good Wood Gang:
“One of the Big Screen’s offerings that will prove a hit with children is the Good Wood Gang – the rag-tag group of animal friends. Inspired by the town’s Goodwood Park, the animations aim to encourage children to believe in the power and magic of their local park as a backdrop for making up their very own stories.
Razi Hassan, one of the Good Wood Gang creators, said: “We think people will absolutely love the Good Wood Gang.”
The trees in the Park are referenced in the section on Estate Trees .
