Central Park comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road.
The picturesque River Darent runs along the park's eastern boundary.
The formal gardens abut the War Memorial and Library and include summer and winter bedding, herbaceous and shrub beds, together with a carpet bed which depicts the badge of a local organisation in the summer months.
Each summer at least 45,000 plants are used to create stunning colourful bedding displays.
The formal gardens are complimented by a rose garden and pergola, which was installed in 2002 and is quite spectacular when in full bloom.
The park is extremely popular with local children and visitors alike.
The informal areas of the park include large grass areas, junior football pitches, secluded tree shaded walks by the river and is home to the Dartford Harriers running track and pavilion.
Central Park hosts numerous events, particularly in summer, including the popular Dartford Festival in July.
There are public conveniences* and a small car park near the Cranford Road entrance at the southern end of the park (next to Fairfield Pool), and conveniences just outside the park in Market Street.
The park has a large children's playground which has a variety of traditional swings and slides as well as a climbing net, aerial runway, climbing wall, track for bikes, skate boards etc, and a fully enclosed ball games area, all of which is monitored by CCTV.
The very popular Skatepark is located in Central Park.
Useful Links:
- Hesketh Park
- Darenth Country Park
- Beacon Wood Country Park
- Childrens Playgrounds
- History Of Central Park - a centenary celebration document
- Ecology Island