WALKING ON WATER IS EASY WHEN YOU KNOW HOW
I originally thought that the photographer and the water walker were together but that was not the case.
In February 2008, following a winter storm and subsequent flooding, I photographed the dilapidated bandstand near the train station in Blackrock Public Park. The scene was striking: a boy walking through the water surrounding the bandstand, seemingly "walking on water," while the Police song "Walking on the Moon" played in the background. Despite its state of disrepair, I learned of plans to restore the bandstand and other park structures.
Revisiting the park in July 2024, I reprocessed the original "walking on water" photographs using beta AI software and took the opportunity to document the park's transformation.
The Southern End: A Victorian Heart
The southern end, adjacent to the village, is considered the park's heart. It boasts the strongest Victorian influence, a wealth of features, and engaging topography. The entrance opposite Merrion Avenue features five imposing granite piers with Beaux-Arts details, substantial gates, and historic metalwork. An unused toilet pavilion flanks the entrance to the right, its rendered blank facades and clerestory windows a testament to its past function.
A pavilion dominates the elevated central space, serving as a focal point and exploiting the view of the bay. This kiosk, built in the mid-1890s, once functioned as a sweet and cake shop and is constructed in a half-timbered style with a bonnet-type roof. Its outer perimeter forms a veranda sheltering fitted timber benches, a popular feature in parks of that era.
An additional pedestrian entrance, east of the main entrance on Rock Hill, features a cut granite lintel and pedimented detail with the inscription "To the Railway." A network of steps and ramps connect to the lower area, with the change in level creating a dramatic cascade from the Priory Stream as it flows towards the sea. The recently renovated banks flanking the paths and ramps showcase sweeps of herbaceous planting.
The Lower Space: Transformation and Renewal
A collection of buildings at the bottom of the slope creates a visual and physical impediment between the slope and the bandstand space. This collection comprises two temporary structures and a permanent bunker-type building. Steps lead onto a concrete bridge traversing the stream, onto a path hugging the boundary wall, ultimately leading to Blackrock DART Station.
The lower space centres around the recently renovated bandstand, its copper roof and surrounding circular hardstand area replaced. This upgrade also saw the replacement of the cast iron benches. Several early mature trees, including Lime, Sycamore, Weeping Willow, and Hornbeam, grace the area. However, the new arrangement has unfortunately obscured the views between the bandstand space and Elm Cliff.
This photographic journey through Blackrock Public Park reveals a landscape transformed. While some elements have been lost or altered, the park's Victorian charm and natural beauty endure, offering visitors a space for relaxation, recreation, and reflection.
In February 2008, following a winter storm and subsequent flooding, I photographed the dilapidated bandstand near the train station in Blackrock Public Park. The scene was striking: a boy walking through the water surrounding the bandstand, seemingly "walking on water," while the Police song "Walking on the Moon" played in the background. Despite its state of disrepair, I learned of plans to restore the bandstand and other park structures.
Revisiting the park in July 2024, I reprocessed the original "walking on water" photographs using beta AI software and took the opportunity to document the park's transformation.
The Southern End: A Victorian Heart
The southern end, adjacent to the village, is considered the park's heart. It boasts the strongest Victorian influence, a wealth of features, and engaging topography. The entrance opposite Merrion Avenue features five imposing granite piers with Beaux-Arts details, substantial gates, and historic metalwork. An unused toilet pavilion flanks the entrance to the right, its rendered blank facades and clerestory windows a testament to its past function.
A pavilion dominates the elevated central space, serving as a focal point and exploiting the view of the bay. This kiosk, built in the mid-1890s, once functioned as a sweet and cake shop and is constructed in a half-timbered style with a bonnet-type roof. Its outer perimeter forms a veranda sheltering fitted timber benches, a popular feature in parks of that era.
An additional pedestrian entrance, east of the main entrance on Rock Hill, features a cut granite lintel and pedimented detail with the inscription "To the Railway." A network of steps and ramps connect to the lower area, with the change in level creating a dramatic cascade from the Priory Stream as it flows towards the sea. The recently renovated banks flanking the paths and ramps showcase sweeps of herbaceous planting.
The Lower Space: Transformation and Renewal
A collection of buildings at the bottom of the slope creates a visual and physical impediment between the slope and the bandstand space. This collection comprises two temporary structures and a permanent bunker-type building. Steps lead onto a concrete bridge traversing the stream, onto a path hugging the boundary wall, ultimately leading to Blackrock DART Station.
The lower space centres around the recently renovated bandstand, its copper roof and surrounding circular hardstand area replaced. This upgrade also saw the replacement of the cast iron benches. Several early mature trees, including Lime, Sycamore, Weeping Willow, and Hornbeam, grace the area. However, the new arrangement has unfortunately obscured the views between the bandstand space and Elm Cliff.
This photographic journey through Blackrock Public Park reveals a landscape transformed. While some elements have been lost or altered, the park's Victorian charm and natural beauty endure, offering visitors a space for relaxation, recreation, and reflection.
WALKING ON WATER IS EASY WHEN YOU KNOW HOW