July 2011

Central Park, Dagenham, United Kingdom

Dagenham is a large suburb in east London, England, forming the eastern part of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and located 12 miles (19.3 km) east of Charing Cross. It has been part of Greater London since 1965 and is a predominantly residential area.

Central Park in Dagenham was laid out on a site purchased by the Borough Council in 1928, and opened in 1932. Facilities included a putting green, pavilion and tennis grounds. The Civic Centre opened in October 1937 with its Council Chamber overlooking the park. Extensive plans for the park, including formal planting near the Civic Centre, were disrupted by WWII and never completed. Facilities added over the years include the Old People's Garden, a children's playground (1952), and a new Bowling Green. A Memorial Garden was opened in 2006.

Within Central Park itself, the 18 hole Pitch and Putt course is owned by The London Borough of Dagenham and leased to 'GolfWise'.

An enjoyable course which has hosted several British Championships, Central Park is surrounded by several oak trees and has its own car park.

Refreshments available are available. Season Tickets can be purchased and clubs may be hired.

Course opening times are: April to September  9am - dusk during holidays and weekends.  10am - dusk at other times.  October to March  Open weekends only (Subject to weather conditions).

The distances of each hole are as follows:
(1) 75 m.; (2) 55m.; (3) 81m.; (4) 81m.; (5) 86m.; (6) 78m.;  (7) 80m.; (8) 73m.; (9) 84m.
(10) 64m.; (11) 67m.; (12) 71m.; (13) 77m.; (14) 90m.;  (15) 63m.; (16) 87m.; (17) 64m.; (18) 80m.

The British Pitch and Putt team which took part in the VI European Team Championship held in Lloret de Mar, Catalonia last September was captained by John Deeble from the Dagenham club. John was joined by four other members from Dagenham, namely Steve Deeble, Jamie Deeble, Ron Cope and Neil Green while Savio Fernandes from the Centenary Park club near Harrow completed the sextet.

The current Hon. Secretary of Dagenham is Mr. John Deeble, available on 079396404036. Telephone no. of the course is 01708 764036. Address of the course is Central Park Dagenham Pitch & Putt, Wood Lane/Rainham Road North, Dagenham. All visitors will be afforded a warm welcome.