Smithfield Recreation Park

Eleven acres portion of land which was originally granted to John Battye Thorngate in 1845.  In 1852, the land was leased to John Smith for 21 years.   John B Thorngate passed away in 1867 and the land passed William Emmanuel Churcher and George Churcher as trustees through Midland Bank Executor and Trustees in England to administer the land, with power to sell.

On 4 September 1922, Joseph Blake called for a public meeting to be held at Smithfield to form a committee from the residents of Smithfield and surrounding neighbourhood.  Residents of Smithfield have felt a growing need for a public recreation area.  The committee’s aim was to purchase land for a recreation park.  A sum of £140 was raised by subscription and to secure the rest a sports afternoon and fete were held. A queen completion raised £70.  The competing girls were Kathleen Andrews, Hazel Argent, Nellie Manouge, Doris McGee, Mavis Taylor and Thelma Worden. Mavis Taylor received the largest number of votes and was crowned by Mrs M. G Smith.  The day raised £145, which after paying outstanding accounts left them with a balance of £80.

A Trust was established with Mr Henry Joseph Twelftree, Frank Thomas Judd, William Kelly Adams, And Melville Galbraith Smith and Joseph Blake as trustees, all farmers of Smithfield.

During WWII the grounds were used on numerous occasions.  In 1939, the CWA and returned soldiers planted trees around the oval.  A gala day was held in 1941 to aid CWA war emergency work.  On 24^th July 1943 a fancy dress football match was held between the Munitions team and the military team, organised by Smithfield Soldiers Recreation Fund Committee.

By 1954, Joseph Blake was the sole surviving trustees, new trustees were appointed: Mr Donald Douglas Firth, Frederick Guest Twelftree and Robin Vivian Taylor, again all farmers of Smithfield.  Joseph Blake passed away the following year.

The grounds has been used by the Smithfield Cricket and Smithfield Football Club.

On 10 September 1974 the land was transferred to the District Council of Munno Para.