Lt-Col Charles Newman Kidd J.P In 1903 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Newman Kidd offered five acres of land to be developed by the town into recreational grounds with the condition that it be used 'in perpetuity as a public recreation ground and for no other purpose whatsoever'. Dartford Council consequently opened the area as 'Central Recreational Ground' to the public in June 1905. Ceremonially, there was a procession from outside the council offices to the park entrance at Lowfield street and Kidd was presented with a silver key to unlock the gates. Dartford Volunteer Silver Band performed on the original bandstand in celebration. In 1910 the park grew when Bank House on the high street was converted into council offices. A large part of its garden was added to the park. In 1915 the council expanded the grounds further purchasing 16 acres of meadows bordering the river Darent. It opened to the public in May 1916 but closed shortly after due to a lack of staff r