Derry born actress Roma Downey backs Brooke Park for top heritage award
And the famous actress, author and telesision producer now based in the US, has thrown her weight behind the campaign to get Brooke Park selected as a National Lottery Best Heritage Award.
The 59-year-old former Thornhill College pupil tweeted: “Such fond memories of beautiful Brooke park from my childhood 💚
“Brooke Park is up for a NL Best Heritage award – – please vote using the hastag #NLABrookePark before 21 August or visit http://bit.ly/2M6xY5L) bit.ly/2M6xY5L
“Please vote ! Please retweet ☘️”
Brooke Park, dating back to 1840, was originally the site of a boys orphanage before it became a municipal park in 1901.
It was used for recreation and civic events by both sides of the community in Derry before falling into neglect in the 1970s and ‘80s.
In 2015, the park closed for a two-year £5.6 million regeneration project, including £1.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, reopening in 2017.
The regeneration vision was developed and agreed with the local community.
The works carried out included the restoration of the gate lodge, a listed statue, boundary walls and entrances, the historic pond was reinstated, and extensive areas of ornamental planting were reintroduced.
As well as restoration, new facilities include a cafe and an all-weather floodlit football pitch, a play garden and a horticulture training centre.
The level of investment in the park, both in terms of design, provision and ongoing support, means it will continue to be a popular destination for the whole community for decades to come.
It now attracts in the region of 200,000 visitors each year.
