An artificial seaside has been erected in Spencer Park, Rushden, for the enjoyment of children. The picture shows the happy youngsters revelling in building castles in a sand dump in an oval stone enclosure, and alongside it is paddling pond only a few inches deep, which is more of a joy to the children than to mothers, whose offsprings often return home with soddened garments. The children's playground is also equipped with swings, see-saws, etc., and there is a tank for them to climb about on thereby derive more pleasure from this war relic than adults with a taste for more aesthetic surroundings. Certainly the children seem to be catered for in this recreation ground far better tan grownups, who are complaining of the new Jubilee Park having so much money spent upon it. By comparison with other progressive towns, however, Rushden cannot be said to be well equipped with attractive pleasure grounds. There is widespread hope that the day is not far distant when the authorities will acquire the spacious meadows and woodlands adjoining the recreation ground on Washbrook Road, which would enable the place to become, in time, a serious rival to Wicksteed Park for visitors.
The sand pit in Spencer Park
Taken from a copy in a collection donated to Rushden Museum in memory of Robert Thompson by his parents.
Rushden Echo & Argus, 6th August 1954
It was the warmest day for weeks and these kiddies decided to a paddle in the Spencer Park pool at Rushden. But there was no water—the rare event of a sunny day had caught the local council napping . Commented Rushden surveyor, Mr A Miller: “The weather has been so atrocious this year that the pool has never been filled properly. It’s not due to a shortage of water and no doubt it could be filled is the fine spell continues.” In contract was the scene at Rushden swimming pool. There was plenty of water and plenty of swimmers.
It was agreed to seek consent to the raising of a loan of £835 to cover the cost of converting two grass tennis courts into hard courts at Spencer Park.
It was also decided to install a new drinking fountain at Spencer Park at an estimated cost of £50.
