Speaking in the Park the Minister said: "I am delighted to be here this morning to announce that the Park is celebrating the 350th anniversary of its establishment as a Royal Deer Park and the OPW has proudly been looking after it since 1860."
With ceremonial sword in hand, while cutting a specially designed 350th birthday cake, in the shape of the Park, the Minister continued: "This is a magnificent amenity for all in the heart of Dublin City and access to this wonderful space is free. I look forward to seeing the various projects and events unfold throughout the year."
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The following are some of the projects and events that are planned for 2012:
- the establishment of a Phoenix Park Arboretum
- the restoration of the Frame Yard at the Victorian Walled Garden
- the establishment of a Phoenix Park archive to be housed in one of the Park Lodges
- a National Photographic competition
- a Primary Schools competition
- kids summer camp
the Phoenix Park Spring and Winter lecture series – a series of illustrated lectures connected with the Park - opening up Chesterfield Avenue at weekends from the Phoenix Monument to the Mountjoy roundabout for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, toddlers and to hold family events with a fun street party at Easter, to start things off
- historical re-enactments of motor racing
- historical re-enactments of the Duke of Ormond and Lord Chesterfield
- exhibitions at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Ashtown Castle
The Minister continued: "As part of the 350 celebrations, a series of specially designed postcards by Paul Francis, depicting the various buildings of the Park was commissioned and I am delighted to announce that these postcards are now available in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre at Ashtown Castle."
(CD/GK)
