WHAT & WHERE IS FREEDOM PARK?
Freedom Park was born out of the ruins of Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prisons, which were reconstructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of the Nigerian people. The project commemorated the 50th anniversary of Independence Day in October 2010 in remembrance of the nation’s foremost fathers for their patriotism, which ultimately led to the nation’s independence from the colonists. Freedom Park is a heritage site.
It is situated in the heart of Lagos Island. Freedom Park Lagos serves different purposes concurrently as it was rebirthed from a place of oppression, to expression, a green space, an art and cultural space, and of course going by the precedence, a historical site. Recently, it was accorded the title of the Entertainment Capital of Lagos (ECL), the great hangout in Lagos, and a Tourists’ destination in Africa.
A former prison turned into a centre for creative expression.‘ Freedom park under the management of LORK Enterprises llp; have over the years developed and expanded the ethos of the centre to what it is today. The most celebrated Arts and Cultural space in Nigeria and beyond. In 2015, it was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and it is listed on most tourist sites as a must visit when in Lagos.
With Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka as our main Patron and Trustee, and the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) on the donation of sculptures to our gardens, the credibility and importance of Freedom Park in the Arts is unquestionable. It has managed to dispel the long held phobia of visiting Lagos Island and the menace of ‘area boys’.
Freedom Park has been the home of the Society of Nigerian Artists(SNA) and also hosts monthly meetings and the end of year Ball of The Nigerian Institute of Architects(Lagos Chapter). Freedom Park hosts over twelve (12) festivals in a year; it stages monthly performances and visual art exhibitions, and boasts of live music performances at least once or twice weekly.
Freedom Park is not elitist and encourages interaction across social and professional strata. It promotes a democratic space where freedom of expression is entrenched in its charter. It however strives to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.
Freedom Park provides a much needed green and serene space in Lagos Island as well as beautifully landscaped gardens to make it attractive to both tourists and the general public.
WHY FREEDOM PARK?
•Natural Atmosphere
•Safety/Security
•Freedom of Expression
•Games – Table Tennis, Snooker, Whot, Ludo, Draught etc.
•Membership Privilege
•Fishing
•Photo/Video Shoots
•Live Music & DJ Rave
•Film Screening
•Art Exhibitions
•Regular Entertainment
•Children’s Corner (In View)
•Museum
•Relaxation
•Excursion/Tour
•Skate Park (In View)
•Variety of Delicacy
•Affordable Entry Fee
Freedom Park provides a much needed green and serene space in Lagos Island as well as beautifully landscaped gardens to make it attractive to both tourists and the general public.
The calming effect of being around trees and flowers can significantly reduce stress thereby promoting a healthy lifestyle. The leaves filter the air we breathe, release oxygen and absorb air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide.
Some of the species of trees and flowers grown in the Park are: Queens Palm, Fishtail Palm, Moringa, Almond, Paw Paw, Weeping Fig, Mango, Bougainvillea, Mauritius Hemp, Jacob‘s Coat, Devil‘s Backbone, Giant Spider Lilies, Crown of Thorns amongst several others
