glenowen country park, northern ireland

Plans were prepared to utilise an existing reservoir and surrounding land for recreation adjacent to a neighbourhood suffered from high unemployment. The site, lying on the outskirts of Glenowen comprised a dammed freshwater reservoir with steep sides surrounded by grazed farmland.

The proposal sought to provide the local community with a variety of facilities including a new equestrian centre, angling club, a 9 hole golf course and tennis courts. The golf course was set out to take advantage of the natural topography and soil conditions to avoid high construction costs, with a club house open to the public.

A second lake was designed to provide a habitat for wildlife with viewing platforms and hide for bird-watching.

Natural trails and a ‘community farm’ were proposed to provide the local schools with a valuable educational resource and a means of encouraging the local community to become involved in the development of the park.