explore FREEDOM PARK
RECAPTURING THE PAST ˙
Freedom Park is far more than just a park; it is a renaissance project. Sitting on land that was, during the colonial era, the prison ground, the park recaptures the suffering of Nigeria’s past heroes.
chance for visitors to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the world outside, and is also capable of hosting events. From the open-air stage to the courtyards, museum, ‘the pounds’, and the Wole Soyinka Art Gallery, Freedom Park has something for everyone. Freedom Park was the brainchild of archi-
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tect Theo Lawson and created in partnership with the Lagos State Government. “After the old Broad Street was pulled down in the 1960s, the space became an eyesore,” says Lawson. Previously locked up and separated from the
10 | ISLAND EXPLORER | JANUARY - MARCH 2012 |
reedom Park is a restoration like no other, the old and derelict colonial build- ings having been given a new lease of life to meet today’s standards. Founded in 2009, the park now offers the perfect
rest of the city, he believed he could beautify the space, open it up and make it useful.
Jail time The present-day Park still retains features from its days as a prison. The old Broad Street Prison comprised of three cellblocks – blocks A, B, and C. Impressions of all three cell blocks are retained in the new architectural design of the park. However, the layout of ‘Block A’, in particular, draws visitors’ attention to the very small square footage of the old prison cells. It is documented that Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Chief Michael Imoudu and many other patriots were imprisoned here. Block B, which served as the gallows, is now a somewhat elevated platform.
Block C remains as it would have been if the cells were still in use today. “The history of Lagos is intrinsically tied to colonialism,” says Bukola Aluko-Kpotie, execu- tive director of the Lagos Museum and Research Centre at Freedom Park. “There is no way you can talk about Lagos without referring to the impact it had – the trading on the shores and even the name Lagos. It’s an undeniable part of Lagos’ history. Freedom Park celebrates our freedom from colonialism as well as our efforts to continually renew ourselves.” Freedom Park may appear to be finished,
but work still continues and someone is always doing something to enhance its beauty. “We are still growing,” says Aluko-Kpotie. “We have come a long way from the derelict site to this
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