Description of the attraction
The Derby Arboretum is the UK's first public, planned urban park designed for recreation. The arboretum was donated to the city by local industrialist Joseph Stratt, the former mayor of Derby. In this way, Stratt wanted to express his gratitude to the people of Derby. By this time, the rapidly growing and developing city was in dire need of a place to relax and walk. The park was designed by John Loudon. At first, admission to the park was paid, with the exception of Sundays and Wednesdays - Wednesday at the Derby factories was a short day. In 1882, the park entrance fee was abolished.
It is believed that it was the Derby Arboretum that was taken as a model for the planning of Central Park in New York.
In recent years, the park has fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds and due attention from the city authorities, but recently the situation has changed for the better. Funding problems were resolved, buildings in the park were renovated, and security cameras were installed. The park has sports grounds and tennis courts. There are playgrounds for children of all ages - a pirate ship, a swing and a sandpit for the little ones, and sports equipment for teenagers.
Squirrels live in the park, who are almost not afraid of people and willingly beg for delicacies from visitors. The bushes and the park pond have taken a liking to a variety of bird species.
The statue of the Florentine boar is very popular - a bronze copy of the sculpture installed in Florence.
