Ballymena Memorial Park and Obelisk

Very happy to find this place today. It was deserted, but we are still in a pandemic. The toilets on site were closed, which was not a surprise. There was seating.

Its always a shocker to see so many names listed on a war memorial. Every one had a family, every name had a story. The main obelisk is quite ornate and detailed.

One of the cherry trees was starting to bloom by the railings near the road. Along the quieter back walls were tall fir trees, they almost looked like they were standing to attention. Whoever chose that type of tree, long ago, did very well.

Four female statues stood in a long, curved flower bed. The figures carry grain, flowers, or fruit. They were donated by a Mrs Ruth Weir in 1973. I was not sure they were relevant to the place, which was otherwise dedicated to people in the services, the Specials, or the RUC. Still, they did add to place having the feeling of a garden, or a verdant park, where some other war memorials are all paving and concrete.

There were a load of bin bags and tools in a corner, but they didn't matter.

The place was very well-kept, and I congratulate whoever designed it and those who maintain it. It allowed for some time of quiet reflection.

This park is situated on the Galgorm Road, opposite the PSNI Station, just down the road from the train station. There are 491 names of soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War on the memorial. Even though the park is beside the road, whilst inside, you'd never reaiise how close you are, as it's so peaceful inside. It is very well maintained, and even has very clean toilet facilities.

Very peaceful just across from police station on the galgorm road , a good friend of mine was the caretaker of the park .the park is the sort of place you would walk past and just have a quick look in ,it is always in top shape ,out of all my years in Ballymena I think I was only in it 3 times the last time was 3 weeks ago , you would see more x army gents in it .

I liked the park as you just sit and meditate. and look at the floral gardens. a quiet prayer at the war memorial

This is a lovely little park used mainly for memorial services. Very peaceful and quiet and kept really clean and tidy.