Founded in 1896 by Mr J.F. Denniston who thought that the Northern part of Ballarat was not sufficiently provided with recreational spaces and clubs. He approached some friends at the time about forming a Bowls and Tennis Club. One person approached was Rev. C.J Carmichael of St. John’s Church. He became the driving force to found a club on a block of land on the corner of Armstrong and Gregory Streets. This block was offered at a very low rental by the owner in an effort to entice someone to occupy and clean it up. On 7th February 1896 Mr Denniston, W Owen, John Deardon, RJ Vale MLA and Rev. Carmichael convened a meeting of Ballarat North residents to consider the formation of a Bowling and Tennis club at the site. In August 1896 the Ballarat North Recreation Club was founded with Mr J.F Denniston as its first president, Mr Owen as the Secretary and MR J.B Cameron as the Treasurer. The committee immediately decided to find ways to raise the necessary funds to purchase the site. To facilitate this Mr Denniston purchased the land for 348 pounds and on 11th December 1896 sold it to the club for that amount with no interest terms and no time frame for the money to be repayed.