Share in the nostalgia as People’s Park in Ballymena marks 150th anniversary

The People’s Park in Ballymena is celebrating its 150th year and Mid and East Antrim Council is taking a trip down memory lane to ask everyone to share their fondest recollections of the green space.

On August 9 1870, following consultations with the public through the local newspaper, Sir Shafto Adair who later became Lord Waveney employed 50 labourers and they worked for six months to create the park, entirely at his own expense.

The 45-acre park was officially opened by Sir Robert Alexander Shafto Adair and he gave the newly created park to the people of Ballymena.

Several trees from the original planting in the 1870s can still be seen today in the central portion of the park.

By 1930, the town had expanded and reached People’s Park and by the late 1930s Ballymena became a borough and the administrating authority for the park became Ballymena Borough Council.

It was the 1960s when a playground, toilet block, sand pit, paddling pool and concrete ship were made welcome additions to the park and they were all surrounded by planted areas.

From the mid 1990s onwards, Ballymena Borough Council decided to begin a long-term programme of major improvements in the People’s Park which continues to this day.

Further details on future investment plans for the park will be released in the coming weeks.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “The park holds a special place in people’s hearts and we know there are plenty of memories and stories to be shared so please get in touch and help us celebrate a fantastic milestone for the wonderful People’s Park.”

The Council previously announced significant funding in the park to coincide with its 150th anniversary.

This investment included enhancements for more events to take place, improved facilities for dog walkers and community meadows.

In the coming weeks, the council will also be launching a consultation regarding plans for the second phase of the park’s play area.

Work is due to bring in October and will be completed in time for next Easter.

As well as this, the council has committed to delivering a dedicated space for teenagers.

It intends to introduce inclusive play provision within the People’s Park with the creation of a ‘teen hub’ where children can participate in arts, crafts and urban sports.

The public are asked to shaire their memories of the People’s park using #ThePeoplesPark150 or emailing [email protected].