Part of the old Argyle Common, in the 19th century this reserve was used as a rifle range, an athletics track, and a playing field for football and cricket.
After the First World War, a 540-yard racetrack was put around the football oval, and from 1919 the Linton Racing Club held their meetings here. Their first meeting attracted a crowd estimated at over 1000 people.
From the early 1900s, the St Patrick’s Day sports days were held here every year and the St Patrick’s Sports Club and the Linton Racing Club later adopted a trotting program under the control of the Victorian Racing and Trotting Association. Fundraising entertainments were held here during World War 2.
Football, netball and cricket matches, school sports days and community events are still held at the recreation reserve.
The original concrete grandstand was built during the Great Depression of the 1930s, providing work for men on ‘Sustenance Pay.’ It was officially opened in December 1939 as part of Linton’s centenary celebrations. Renovations and improvements have been undertaken over the years, the latest being in 2024.
The photo on your screen shows the St Patrick’s Day sports carnival in March 1934: the penny-farthing race.
Walk from the Recreation Reserve to the Rail Trail and turn to walk south along it.
