Ireland Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ireland Park |
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Toronto skyline seen from the park
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Created | June 21, 2007 |
| Operated by | Toronto Parks |
Ireland Park is a special place on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's located near the Canada Malting Silos and Bathurst Street. This park was officially opened in 2007. It remembers the many thousands of people who left Ireland during a terrible time called the Great Famine.
In 1847, over 38,000 Irish people arrived in Toronto at Rees's Wharf. They were escaping the famine and hoped to start a new life. Even though Toronto only had about 20,000 residents back then, the city welcomed these newcomers. Sadly, over 1,100 new immigrants did not survive. Many died in special "fever sheds" during the Typhus epidemic of 1847. Ireland Park honors all the Irish ancestors who came to Canada with only hope for a better future.
Park Design and Features
The park was designed to be a place that helps people remember the difficult journey of those who arrived from Ireland. It was created by Toronto architect Jonathan Kearns, who is also an Irish immigrant.
The park has several interesting features:
- Oak trees: These trees symbolize strength and endurance.
- Glass cylinder: A tall cylinder made of stacked glass acts like a beacon, representing hope.
- Bronze sculptures: Five powerful bronze statues were created by famous Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie.
These sculptures are like a twin to a similar memorial in Dublin, Ireland. The figures in Dublin show "The Departure," meaning people leaving Ireland. The sculptures in Toronto show "The Arrival," representing their journey's end in Canada.
The Hamilton Spectator newspaper described the statues: "The early immigrants are now honored at the Toronto waterfront park by five haunting bronze statues created by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie...One figure depicts a man lying on the ground, very thin; another shows a pregnant woman holding her stomach, while behind her a quiet child stands with wide eyes. One weak figure is bent over with hands together in prayer, and another man has his arms raised to the sky in thanks."
The park also has a large wall made of limestone that came all the way from Kilkenny, Ireland. This wall has the names of those who died in 1847. It also includes the names of many Toronto citizens who helped the Irish, like Bishop Michael Power.
Official Opening and Legacy
Ireland Park was officially opened on June 21, 2007. Important people attended the ceremony, including the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. Other leaders present were Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, and Toronto Mayor David Miller. The Chairman of the Ireland Park Foundation, Robert Kearns, was also there.
Mary McAleese said that the park is "a memorial that links Ireland and Canada in a very, very powerful way." She added that it "brings that story right into the 21st century."
In 2009, a film called Death or Canada was released. This movie features Ireland Park and tells the sad story of 1847 and how it affected the young city of Toronto. Robert Kearns, the Chairman of Ireland Park, is one of the people featured in the film.
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