On Wednesday, 25 July 2012 up to 1,000 people were greeted by glorious sunshine as they gathered in Forthill Park.
The event ‘Hat’s off to the Forthill’ was organised in conjunction with the national Love Parks Week.
This year the Love Parks Week focused on access to healthy green spaces for all.
The aim was to make people appreciate our parks and green spaces, whilst raising awareness that they are essential to a happy, healthy and strong community.
Forthill Park is an excellent space and when used in this way can lead to healthier and happier communities, especially when many people from the community come together to use the park.
During the event on Wednesday, children were able to make their own hats to say “hat’s off” to the beautiful Victorian park.
Amongst those present on the day were Conservation volunteers showing children plants and shrubs. The volunteers also had ‘blind boxes’ for children to guess the contents by just feeling with their hands.
The Butterfly Conservation NI provided butterfly nets and information on the butterflies within the park.
There was also face painting and balloon shaping, along with chocolate rewards for wearing a hat and completing a biodiversity tree trail. Musical entertainment was provided in the bandstand by Cathy McGovern.
The event offered children the chance to relax and play football and other games provided by Groundwork NI, in a safe environment. It also allowed parents the opportunity to relax in a peaceful and beautiful location.
In addition to all the events outlined above, Cole’s Monument was also open. It provided an opportunity for all to see the event from a great height.
A great day was had by all and everyone is very keen to see more events like this organised in the future. A large number of visitors, from many different countries, came together to appreciate Enniskillen’s own secret garden.
For more information on the ‘Hat’s off to Forthill’ event, please contact:
Catherine Scott Development Officer
Fermanagh County Museum
Enniskillen Castle Museums
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
BT74 7HL
