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The gardens were funded by G Herbert Strutt following the founding of the Belper Boating Association in 1905 on the site of what had been an osier bed within the area of the mill property. Pleasure grounds were laid out with the layout and rockwork was provided by Pulham & Son of Broxbourne. including a boat house, bandstand and refreshment kiosk.

When the Boating Association ceased in 1918, the English Sewing Cotton Company took over the grounds. Although primarily a facility for employees, the public were admitted for a small charge. The gardens passed to the ownership of the local council in 1966, and the charge was abolished at this time.

The gardens were giving a major face lift in 2009 by Amber Valley District Council, but the essential character was retained.

The gardens are Listed Grade II*.

Listed buildings and structures are officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance. There are over half a million listed structures in the United Kingdom, covered by around 375,000 listings.
Listed status is more commonly associated with buildings or groups of buildings, however it can cover many other structures, including bridges, headstones, steps, ponds, monuments, walls, phone boxes, wrecks, parks, and heritage sites, and in more recent times a road crossing (Abbey Road) and graffiti art (Banksy 'Spy-booth') have been included.

In England and Wales there are three main listing designations;
Grade I (2.5%) - exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important.
Grade II* (5.5%) - particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II (92%) - nationally important and of special interest.

There are also locally listed structures (at the discretion of local authorities) using A, B and C designations.

In Scotland three classifications are also used but the criteria are different. There are around 47,500 Listed buildings.
Category A (8%)- generally equivalent to Grade I and II* in England and Wales
Category B (51%)- this appears generally to cover the ground of Grade II, recognising national importance.
Category C (41%)- buildings of local importance, probably with some overlap with English Grade II.

In Northern Ireland the criteria are similar to Scotland, but the classifications are:
Grade A (2.3%)
Grade B+ (4.7%)
Grade B (93%)

…read more at wikipedia Link