Point Pleasant Park before it was struck by Hurricane Juan
Point Pleasant Park is a large, forested area at the southermost tip of the peninsula on which the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia is built. It was formerly a military battery, and ruins of eighteenth century martello towers can be found there. The park is a popular spot for Haligonians to relax in, as it has excellent forest walks and beautiful views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic.
The park is still technically owned by the British government - the Halifax Regional Municipality pays a nominal rent of 1 £ per year.
In September, 2003, Point Pleasant Park was devastated by Hurricane Juan, which swept in from the Atlantic. Nearly three quarters of the park's trees were knocked down and the park remained closed until June of 2004. While there are still many trees remaining, the park now has a ghostly, post-apocalyptic appearance, and it will be many years before it regains its former beauty.
Every summer Shakespearean plays are performed in the park by the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company.
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