The People’s Park

About

Officially opened in 1870, the People’s Park in Ballymena is an award winning Green Flag park and a great example of a public park of that era, with a modern twist.

The 45-acre urban park is well used and loved by regular, local users and visitors from further afield. The provision of a senior and junior play area makes it a well-liked, well-used facility with families and young people. It is also popular with sporting enthusiasts who can avail of the 4 floodlit Astroturf tennis courts and an outdoor bowling green. The vast open green space also allows for ‘unstructured play’ and is a wonderful environment for all ages to make use of and enjoy. The outdoor gym is a popular addition to the park for all age groups of park users.

The Park contains a fine public artwork entitled, Five Apples. The sculpture is the work of Japanese artist and sculptor, Shiro Masuyama and was designed to reflect themes such as community, trust and the future, it is also designed to be a symbol of aspiration for continued peace within the community.

There is also an attractive community garden/allotment created by the Base within the park - a facility which provides adults with learning difficulties to meet up with friends and take part in community activities and reconnect with the outdoors.

The park pavilion provides a secure resting place for all. The site overlooks a large lake, The People’s Park Dam, which is home to a large range of wild ducks and geese throughout the year.
Hungry folks and birds can enjoy a snack with vending machines available for humans and ‘Ducks Choice’ for the birds in the park dam. Birds to look out for include: Teal, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Tree Creeper. The perennial flowers planted around the bowling green and park pavilion provide a truly brilliant array of colour during spring and summer time.

The Park is situated a short walk from Ballymena town centre and is accessible from the town service bus route.