[citation needed] In 1886, the then Mayor of Chesterfield proposed that a public park be created to mark Queen Victoria's upcoming golden jubilee in 1887.

After two overs were bowled in the Derbyshire first innings, Yorkshire captain Len Hutton asked for the length of the pitch to be measured.

[6] However, following a multimillion-pound refurbishment and upgrade of the entire park including the cricketing facilities,[7] Derbyshire returned by taking on Worcestershire in a County Championship Division Two game between 26 and 29 July.

The game ended in a draw, with Australian Marcus North avoiding defeat for the home side by scoring 161 runs, including 24 boundaries.

Attendances for all four days was high, and saw Derbyshire announce a four-year deal to play County Cricket at the ground soon after the game.