Clarence Park, St Albans

Clarence Park stands in the centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire. It is a public park with sports grounds and a football stadium. The park covers sixteen acres of playing fields and nine acres of ornamental gardens. A cricket ground and a bowls club share the space. A bandstand, a children’s play area and a café sit among the lawns. The park was opened in 1894 by Prince George, Duke of Cambridge. John Blundell Maple, a local businessman, gave the land and paid for its layout and planting. His wife donated a water fountain that still stands today. In the 1990s the football club nearly won promotion but were blocked by ground grading rules. A Disney Channel preschool series once filmed here because of nearby Elstree Studios. Visitors find wide grass areas for games and sunbathing. The bandstand hosts summer concerts and the play area keeps children busy. The football stadium is home to St Albans City Football Club. The cricket ground has hosted county matches since the 19th century. A restored pavilion from 1894 overlooks the pitches.