The boating lake in Crookes Valley park was originally a dam used to supply the town of Sheffield with water. It was known as the 'Great Dam' when it was completed in 1787. It became known as the 'Old Great Dam' when the 'New Dam' was constructed adjacent to it - where the Goodwin Sports Centre now stands. It is unclear when the dam fell out use but the north eastern end of the polygon is marked as a recreation ground from the 1906 OS map onwards. Construction work for the dam commenced when Crookesmoor common was enclosed. Legibility is significant. The boating lake reuses the old dam, which is situated in a steep sided park. The house overlooking the park is called 'Dam House'.