Derby Arboretum is the UK's first public, planned urban park designed for recreation. The arboretum was donated to the city by local industrialist Joseph Strutt, the former mayor of Derby. In this way, Strutt wanted to to express his gratitude to the people of Derby. By this time, the rapidly growing and developing city was in great need of a place for recreation and walking. The planning for the park was John Loudon. At first there was a charge to enter the park, except for Sundays and Wednesdays - Wednesday was a short day in Derby's factories. In 1882 the park entrance fee was abolished.
It is believed that it was the Derby Arboretum that was taken as a model for the planning of Central Park in New York City.
In recent years, the park had fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds and proper city officials, but recently the situation has changed for the better. Funding problems have been solved, buildings in the park have been renovated, security cameras have been installed. The park is now equipped with sports fields and tennis courts. There are playgrounds for children of different ages - a pirate ship, swings and a sandpit for the youngest children, and sports equipment for teenagers.
In the park live squirrels, which are almost not afraid of people and willingly beg for treats from visitors. A variety of bird species enjoy the bushes and the park pond.
The statue of the Florentine Boar is very popular - a bronze copy of the sculpture installed in Florence.
