Bannerman Park

Bannerman Park is a Victorian-style urban park located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Sir Alexander Bannerman, Governor of the Colony of Newfoundland from 1857 to 1864, donated the land in 1864 to create the Dominion's first public park[1]. The park was initially, in addition to being a green space, the site of two skating rinks and a hall for fancy dress balls. In 1891 the city funded the design and development of the park as a formal Victorian Garden.[2]

Picture of Bannerman Park

Today, the park is surrounded by historic Victorian buildings, some containing bed and breakfasts, and the Colonial Building. A revitalization plan for the park was launched in 2010 and completed in 2015. Thousands attended the "grand re-opening ... on June 21, 2015". The Park's 150-year history "was commemorated with major upgrades and improvements as part of a nearly $6 million capital program. Since developing a Park Master Plan in 2003, the Grand Concourse worked with the City of St. John's, the Bannerman Park Foundation, and many generous donors". Between 2012-2015 "new entranceways and water features were constructed", "Victorian-style amenities" installed, and planting and landscaping undertaken throughout the Park. "Upgrades included an outdoor skating loop, a new playground, upgrades to the pool area and a new [formal main] entrance".[3]

Bannerman Park plays host to many festivals and sporting events, most notably the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival[4] and the finishing location for the Tely 10 road race.