Celebrating Heritage, Community and a Remarkable Transatlantic Connection
Saintfield has marked a major milestone with the official opening of Windmill Park, a new community heritage space developed to preserve and celebrate one of the town’s most important historic sites.
Located on the site of Saintfield’s historic Glasdrumman windmill which was destroyed on the ‘Night of the Big Wind’ on 6 January 1839, Windmill Park has been thoughtfully developed as both a heritage and community space. The park is bounded by the Carson’s Dam River and comprises green areas, pathways, a pond, a section of historic railway track, seating for visitors and interpretive elements that tell the story of the windmill and the town’s wider heritage. Designed to be both reflective and welcoming, the space provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to relax, learn and connect with the history of the area.
The project has been led from initial concept through to completion by Saintfield Community Association, whose vision, commitment and co-ordination have brought this important initiative to life for the benefit of the local community and future generations.
The creation of Windmill Park has only been possible thanks to the generosity of David Moffett, a US-based businessman whose ancestors emigrated from Saintfield over 200 years ago. In a powerful reconnection with his family roots, Mr Moffett provided the funding to purchase the site and support the early stages of its development.
The project has been further supported by £1million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, and enabling the transformation of the site into an accessible, welcoming and high-quality public space.
Speaking at the official opening, Martyn Todd, Trustee, Saintfield Community Association said:
“Windmill Park is a hugely significant project for Saintfield. From the very beginning, our aim was to protect this important site and create a space that the whole community could enjoy. We are incredibly proud to have taken this project from idea through to completion, and deeply grateful to David Moffett and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for making it possible.”
David Moffett said:
“Although my family left Saintfield many generations ago, the connection has always remained important. Supporting this project has been a meaningful way to honour that history and give something back to the place where our story began.”
Olive Hill, a Committee Member for Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“It’s brilliant to see this free-to-access green space open up to the community and visitors to Saintfield. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project has preserved Glasdrumman windmill and its historic buildings, recreated a section of the former Belfast and County Down Railway and shared the industrial and natural heritage of the area with interpretation throughout the park. It has also boosted biodiversity with the creation of wildlife ponds, planting for pollinators using native species as well as the installation of bat boxes and swift boxes. Congratulations to Saintfield Community Association on delivering a unique space for all to enjoy.”
Windmill Park is expected to become a focal point for community life in Saintfield, offering a peaceful green space while also providing opportunities for heritage learning, reflection and community activity.
The park is now officially open to the public. Access is available 7 days a week from 9am to 8pm (April– September) and 9am to 3pm (October – March)
