Central Park
Central Park in Dagenham is a beautiful place to relax and have fun. Whether you want to take a walk, play sports, try pitch and putt, or just enjoy nature, there is something for everyone. The park is loved by locals and visitors alike for its friendly atmosphere and variety of activities.
Hidden amongst the vegetation you may notice pillboxes and other historical features dating back to the second world war.
In 2014 a new footbridge was installed, which links Beam Valley to Bretons Park, opening up the valley for informal access on foot or bicycle. Look out for the Sustrans portrait bench with 3 life-size sculptures of historical and cultural figures from the area, chosen by the local community.
Central Park was created in the 1930s alongside the Dagenham Civic Centre. It has grown over the years to include a children’s playground added in 1952 and the Memorial Garden opened in 2006. The park has been improved many times to make it a welcoming place for everyone.
The Dagenham Town Show was an annual event held at Central Park from 1952 to 2011. It started as part of the Three Towns Show with Romford and Hornchurch but became a standalone event. The show featured horticultural displays, handicrafts, competitions, dog shows, parachute displays, fairground rides, fireworks, and more. It was a popular event but ended due to financial constraints.
Central Park has recently been upgraded with new trees and wildflowers, two new children’s play areas and nature zones. The tennis courts have been refurbished, and new pathways have been added to make it easier to explore the park. Additionally, extensive landscaping has created flowing hills and enhanced the park’s natural beauty
Central Park is part of the Dagenham Corridor, which includes over 500 acres of green space. This corridor stretches from Hainault to the River Thames and includes Eastbrookend Country Park, The Chase Local Nature Reserve, Beam Valley Country Park, and Beam Parklands.
Discover more about Central Park and the Dagenham Corridor and plan your visit today!
Key Information
Getting There
Location
Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8TA
Contact
Telephone 0208 215 3000
Email parksandenvironment@lbbd.gov.uk
Parking
Free and available on-site. To make your visit easier and stress‑free, we kindly recommend using public transport such as Dagenham East station and the 174, 175, 5, and 103 buses.
Accessibility
The park has well-maintained paths and seating areas.
Sporting Facilities
Tennis courts available for booking with Clubspark
One full basketball court and a 1-on-1 facility as part of the Adizone MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) which is free to use.
Football pitches available for booking by email pitchbookings@lbbd.gov.uk
Two rugby pitches free to use.
A Pitch and putt green. Contact Steve Deeble on telephone 07852 258 196.
An outdoor gym
Play Areas
A toddler playground and a junior adventure play area.
Do's
Be kind to wildlife – Enjoy watching animals and birds, but don’t disturb them.
Walking your dog? Keep them under control and always keep them on a lead near:
- Playgrounds, play areas
- Lakes (to protect nesting birds)
- Public buildings
- Always clean up after your dog using the bins provided
Picnics are welcome! Just remember to take all your rubbish home with you.
Countryside byelaws
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, like other councils, has wide powers to make byelaws in relation to a range of areas under its control. Generally, byelaws seek to uphold good order, government and public health
Report to us
Please help the Ranger Service by reporting any problems you see or ideas that you have that will improve your enjoyment of the parks and nature reserves in the borough.
Don'ts
Don’t harm or disturb wildlife – It’s against the law to hurt or scare wild animals or birds.
Don’t damage or disturb animal homes like nests or burrows, especially during breeding season.
No hunting or capturing. No traps, nets, or snares – These can harm protected animals.
Birds of prey can only be brought in with permission. Please see the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
No fishing, except at Eastbrookend Country Park (with a valid rod licence). Check fishing rules here.
No swimming in lakes or walking on them when they are frozen.
No model boats.
Fires, and barbecues are strictly forbidden.
Camping is not allowed.
No setting up tents, gazebos, or marquees without permission.
Don’t climb on:
- Fences, walls, or railings
- Trees or park structures (enclosures, posts…etc)
- No motorbikes in the park
- No model aircrafts or drones
- No selling or trading in the park
Other Facilities
Memorial Garden
Toilets (including disabled facilities) – Situated next to the PItch & Putt area.
Paths for walking and cycling
Café – Run by the Pitch & Putt providers.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events
Central Park hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including sports tournaments, community gatherings, and seasonal festivals
Wild and Free in LBBD
Each year the Barking & Dagenham Park Ranger Service invites local residents to share their experiences of LBBD’s parks through the Wild & Free Photo Competition.
Friends of the parks
Are you interested in making a positive contribution to the management and development of your local park? Then please join the Friends group to help make a difference.
Community groups
Read more about some of the brilliant local organisations (that we sometimes partner with) who support the local community and help make our borough a better place to live.
Things to do -
Click on the icons to find out more!
More Information
