In 1982, 25 acres of land on the northern border of Ware were bequeathed by local Farmer, Norman Wodson, to the people of East Hertfordshire, for the specific purpose of providing a recreation facility.

In order to achieve the latter, a group of local people organised themselves into a group called the Lea Recreation Society. Together with a sub-committee of East Herts District Council known as the Ware Bequest 'Sub Committee', the way forward to enable the provision of a recreation facility was investigated. There was no substantial indoor space provided for recreation and sport in East Hertfordshire, so an ambitious project to provide a sport and recreation centre began.

The first phase consisted of a sports hall 32m x 25m, an adjoining small hall 16m x 9m, a function room and a bar, along with showering and toilet facilities. Money was raised from individuals, groups and businesses in addition to grant aid from East Herts District Council, from the Sports Council and from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts. Approximately £715,000 was raised. An additional 2.8 acres of land was bought to extend Wodson Park and to provide a site to relocate Ware Football Club. The relocation was completed in 1995.

The next phase was completed in two parts. Firstly, an eight lane athletics track and a multi-purpose pitch, both all-weather and floodlit, were established and opened in 1996. A contract was let in September 1997 for the erection of another sports hall and substantial social areas such as function rooms and dining facilities together with increased car parking and associated landscaping. This contract also included the refurbishment of the existing hall to the same high standard and the provision of a significant well equipped fitness room. Work commenced in October 1997 and was completed in October 1998.

As a package costing £4,400,000 overall, this phase was funded by an enabling grant from East Herts District Council of £750,000, a Lottery Award of £2,500,000 and a contribution from Wodson Park of £1,150,000. The total cost of Wodson Park has been in excess of £5,000,000.

The facility is designed for multi-purpose use although several specialist facilities have been provided, such as indoor cricket, archery and gymnastics. The emphasis throughout has been on flexibility.

Wodson Park remains a community based charity; it recieves no funding from external bodies and is dependant upon its members subscriptions and hire charges to mmaintain the facilities and fabric of the building.