Helston rewind: The history of Coronation Park and Boating Lake

For many years the extreme end of the Lower Green was little more than waste ground, often flooded and served little purpose.

Today Coronation Park is an important feature in the town, businesses working in the park, boats going across the lake and a skatepark.

When was the park opened?

The opening ceremony was performed on July 20th 1912 by Mr Francis Henry Cunnack, then-Mayor of Helston, in the presence of a number of dignatories and supported by members of the public, representatives of the Town Band, Fire Brigade and Police. It was a great occasion and an important episode in the history of Helston.

Sports and world war

Water sports events were arranged in succeeding years in various forms, including water carnivals.

The original Island, then thickly populated with large trees, afforded a crowded grandstand view for spectators and supporters. Boys from the local schools received swimming instruction and boating on the lake provided a recreation new to the town.

This happy state of affairs continued with very little change until the 1914 war clouds gathered. For four long and weary years changes had to be introduced to comply with the changing conditions.

Plum Fairs and fireworks

With the cessation of hostilities and a return to more peaceful times thoughts again turned to the potential of the Lake and Park. New ideas were introduced and at the close of Harvest Fair Days (Plum Fair) for a number of years up until the end of the 1960s, wonderful firework displays were organised.

In 1967, the year of the Torrey Canyon disaster, the event was organised with a large model of an oil tanker floating in the lake. As the fireworks exploded the ship was set on fire to mimic the bombing of the Torrey Canyon in March of that year.

Moves into the 21st century

The Lake and Park survived those early days and now boats and canoes appear on the lake during the summer months.

Paddleboats for children are provided in a special safety enclosure and adjacent flowerbeds provide an added touch of colour to the peace and tranquillity.

Swimming in the lake has long since passed but remains of the bathing huts can still be seen.

The waterwheel came from Coads Green, North Cornwall and while at the Lakeside before being erected the main metal bearing was stolen (and not recovered).

Information courtesy of Helston History, you can see more from them here.

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