The site was once the location of Woodside Convent,[2] and the property has changed hands many times since then.

[2] Croydon Corporation bought the house and grounds by Compulsory Purchase Order in 1924.

[3] Despite the neglect of the café and former library building the local council have spent some money on renovating the public toilets, improving the children's playing park and adding some features for joggers and fun runners on the perimeter paths.

[4] The Friends of Ashburton Park group, launched in September 2013, have come together to put the former library back into community use.

[3] In December 2017, the park was due to host the Croydon Winter Festival, with seasonal events including ice-skating.