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Charles Wicksteed was a man with incredible creative vision and foresight.  Wicksteed Park sits in the town of Kettering in the United Kingdom.  It is the Lake that Wicksteed created out of nothing, that makes the park so special and close to their hearts.  What had been a small stream running in the valley for 1000′s of years, was turned into a man-made, incredibly beautiful natural feature.  The park would just not be the same without the presence of Wicksteed Lake.  This idea came to Wicksteed in 1919.  He was not certain as to go about turning a valley into a lake that now spans thirty acres.

There were three thousand tree stumps that needed to be moved, and they were all dug out by men.  He then redirected the water flow in order to fill the lake with water.  This took two years from beginning to completion and Wicksteed almost went bankrupt in the process.  His determination never wavered however, and he sold off some of his own land and personal assets to ensure that it would be completed.  By 1921, many people in the region had heard that the opening was pending, and many traveled long distances, to stay in a Kettering hotel, and participate in the momentous event.

The “Clubmen of Kettering” donated the Clock-tower which was were the opening ceremonies were held.  There are photos of that day on display at the Park today, but they do not do justice to just how momentous of an occasion this actually was.  People lined the banks of the lake and to this day it is a popular destination for tourists of the United Kingdom as well as the vast numbers of international travelers that visit the site each year.

It has provided quiet moments for friends and families, as well as celebrations and regattas for the entire region.  Wicksteed loved nature and he loved water.  This lead him a few years later to the design and the construction of one of the worlds first water rides.  In 1926, those attending the park were able to experience the fun and excitement of the “Waterchute”.   The Waterchute was constructed in two other parks at the time, but the one at Wicksteed Park is the only one in operation today.

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Filed under: Travel by admin Tagged with: "Clubmen of Kettering" • Charles Wicksteed • Kettering • Kettering hotel • U.K. • Wicksteed Park Lake