The gardens were laid out at a cost of £3,561 with a contribution by the MCC of £1,439 on condition that no buildings apart from those associated with sports and recreation be erected. This condition was stipulated due to a proposal for part of the site to house a mortuary, coroner's court and fire station. At the opening event the new gardens had 'trim lawns, flower-beds, rockeries, meandering gravel paths and summer houses' and the main entrance on Horn Lane was 'pergola-decorated'. The intention was for the gardens to serve a double purpose and to be of benefit to both young and old visitors, with gardens for rest as well as facilities for active sports. Tennis courts, putting greens and bowling greens and a children's playground were provided and the park had a path 'in the form of a loop for gentle exercise'. An open-air theatre on the site was provided but subsequently pulled down. The park has no large trees, and planting consists of lawns, shrubs, trees and rose beds; there are good 1930s gates, stone gate piers and railings on Horn Lane.