ADJOINING the Coronation Gardens, the Botanical Gardens in Rhyl date back nearly 150 years.
They were established in the Rhyl suburbs by 1878, when it was sold as a nine-acre plot with avenues, a lily pond and conservatories, with an article in the Wrexham Guardian on August 4, 1977 describing the enterprise of Mr R. D. Roberts as “Mr Roberts purposes opening these beautiful grounds on the 13th inst. to the public”.
In 1900 the Football club took over an area called the Belle Vue Gardens and sports facilities including tennis courts, bowling greens, mini golf and a children's playground were established in the Botanical Gardens.
In 1919 the gardens were sold by Sarah Ann Oakey to the Council.
In the early 1930s the King George V Playing fields were created, but following Edward VIII’s abdication the Coronation Gardens were never completed but the seats purchased at this time through public subscription can be seen in the Botanical Gardens.
After a chequered history the gardens fell into neglect, and in 2003 Denbighshire County Council planned to demolish the cafe and build a new Register Office and car park.
Rhyl South West Central Association was formed and they campaigned tirelessly, securing 5,000 signatures in a petition, to save the Gardens for the people of Rhyl – which they did.
The Botanical Gardens are now home to a community centre which runs classes and groups.
The Association received the 2008 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for the reinstatement of the Gardens.
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