[1] The 32-hectare (320,000 m2) site is located along the River Itchen and bounded by the districts of Townhill Park to the east and Swaythling to the northwest.

In 1952, the tip was 8 feet (2.4 m) deep with an estimated 130,000 tones of rubbish which included World War II debris from the city's aerial bombardment.

The council reclaimed the land between Cobden Bridge and Bitterne Park using 5,000 lorries fully laden with topsoil.

[8] In February of the same year, as part of The Queen's Green Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee, works began at Riverside Park to plant 70 oak trees along the river bank, funded by Southampton City Council.

[9] Located in the northern sector of the park is the Woodmill Activity Centre, which includes kayak and canoe rentals.