The Mayor of Derry and Strabane Michaela Boyle, explores the exhibits with Emma Barron, parks manager
The building at Brooke Park opened on Saturday following a major refurbishment with an exhibition detailing the story of the Victorian park which overlooks Derry city centre.
Stretching from Rosemount to St Eugene’s Cathedral, Brooke Park is the largest green area within the inner city area.
It was opened in 1839 as a “people’s park” with lawns, walkways and an attractive Victorian fish pond.
It was also home to Derry’s first orphanage, Gwyn’s Orphanage for Boys.
The park was originally bequeathed to the city by philanthropists John Gwyn and James Hood Brooke.
The far end of the park holds a panoramic view of the city
However, the park fell into disrepair during the Troubles when the grounds were taken over by the British army after their deployment in the city in 1969.
The Gwyn’s Institute building became a frequent target of paramilitaries and was eventually destroyed in a fire before it was demolished.
He left the bulk of his wealth for the establishment of an orphanage in Derry.
The trustees of his will purchased the site for the sum of £200 in 1839.
The grounds to the orphanage, known as Gwyn’s Institute, included grass terraces, a pond, rose garden, shrubberies and boundary planting, a kitchen garden and orchards.
Emma Barron, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s parks officer, said the park holds strong memories for local residents.
She said the exhibition gives the public a real opportunity to learn more about the park.
The exhibition runs at the gate lodge until 31 August
The exhibition runs until Wednesday, August 31.
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