Gillingham Park existed as pastureland until 1901 when the land was purchased by Gillingham Borough Council. Designed by Mr J Redfern, the Borough Council Surveyor, the park featured a circular walk surrounding a large grass field for recreation purposes. The layout also featured a plant nursery and a two storey band stand - features associated with a typical early Edwardian public park. The park was formally opened by the Mayor of Gillingham in a grand ceremony on July 12th 1906.