The land the Club stands on was set up as a Trust in 1938 with a condition that it only ever be used as a sports or recreation ground, but there is evidence that it was already being used as a sports ground and had been for some time. There is a record of a cricket match in 1874 when Pickering opened the season with a game against Castle Howard. Originally a marquee was used as a changing room before a wooden building was erected in 1895.

By 1964 Football, Cricket and Bowls were all using the site and a need for a new pavilion arose. This is the building that stands here today. It was extended in 1978 to accommodate the Bowls Club and to provide a function room, kitchen and new toilets.

In recent years the changing rooms and officials’ rooms have been extended and improved, funded by the Football Club, and there has been substantial maintenance, upgrading and modernisation, largely thanks to a significant grant from Ryedale District Council in 2018.

Over the years there have been various other plans for extension or replacement but they have never been viable due to cost.

The Rec Club, as it is affectionately known, is now used by a variety of groups including pool, darts, dominoes, fitness and wellbeing, music practice and events, several other local groups and private functions. It is very much a hub for the community.