Picture the scene: an early morning yoga class is stretching out beside a refurbished bandstand, local school children are learning about biodiversity while following a tree trail, an Irish language conversation circle is picnicking on the grass, while actors in military and Victorian dress mingle with visitors, all the while watched over by a rejuvenated Cole’s Monument.

This is a snippet of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s £600,000 vision for Forthill Park in Enniskillen.

The Council is currently in the process of applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for approximately £600,000 to cover their ambitious plans for the gardens.

A report shown to Councillors this week says that, if Council plans were fulfilled, “people will once more be in a position to embrace their town centre green space,” and current anti-social behaviour in Forthill would be deterred.

A report was shown to Councillors at the Regeneration and Community Committee meeting on Tuesday evening.

Council officers have suggested the following capital works: repairs to Cole’s Monument; refurbishment of the bandstand, including repair of the cast iron dragons and the clock mechanism; path resurfacing, widening and upgrades; refurbishment of stone steps to bring them into line with current standards; the conversion of an existing brick building as new public amenities; an upgrade to the play area; landscaping works to restore the park to the original Victorian Pleasure Garden planting scheme; a phased replanting scheme for the old trees that are reaching the end of their natural life cycle; an entrance feature into the park to raise awareness and make it more visible from the town centre; disabled and child parking; and an interactive interpretation to educate users of the site’s significance and the historical role it has had in Enniskillen Town. 

A programme of activities would include: a schools programme developed in conjunction with the Museum which would include tours of the town to incorporate Forthill; a biodiversity training programme to include bat and bee training, tree management and replacement planting training, flower bed management training; a tree trail with plaques erected at different species of trees; a volunteer programme for management of the park; an exercise and well-being programme including mum and baby walking groups, men’s shed outings and early morning yoga; additional opening of the monument; Irish language tours, conversation circles and picnics organised with the Good Relations Officer; Living History events, including actors dressed in military and Victorian dress making an interactive show for park users; and more Council-run events such as the existing ‘Hats off to Forthill’ and the ‘Picnic in the Park’.

The report explains that the estimated cost of repairing the bandstand and Cole’s Monument is £224,900, while the potential development of the Park itself is estimated to cost £599,600. 

It adds: “Costings for the interpretation and supporting programme of activities for the delivery phase will need to be calculated more accurately however, it is estimated that it will be an additional £40,000 over four years of a delivery phase.”

Council officials recommended that Councillors commit financial support up to a maximum of £7,500 for the first round application to HLF; provides a letter of commitment to support the long term management and maintenance of the park; and approves submission of a first round application to HLF for the restoration of the Forthill Pleasure Gardens.