The Hollows, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, circa 1869. Photo courtesy MyHeritage.com.

The history of the Hollows at Queen’s Park Savannah

The Hollows at Queen’s Park Savannah represents a significant transition from utilitarian infrastructure to a premier ornamental public space in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Originally functioning as a critical water reservoir that supplied the capital city and its environs during the nineteenth century, this depression in the landscape was eventually drained to facilitate the development of a decorative garden.

This transformation was part of a broader shift in the usage of the Queen’s Park Savannah, which evolved from the Peschier family’s St Ann’s sugar estate into the largest open recreational space in Trinidad.

Today, The Hollows serves as a picturesque botanical attraction characterised by lush horticultural displays, including longstanding Poui trees and ornamental shrubs. Situated obliquely opposite the Emperor Valley Zoo on the northern edge of the Savannah, it offers a distinct aesthetic contrast to the vast, open grasslands of the 260-acre park.

The site represents a landmark of cultural and historical permanence within the “largest roundabout in the world”. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the site’s transition from a water storage facility to a botanical landmark, detailing the architectural and environmental changes that have shaped its current role as a hub for family recreation and professional photography.

Key Takeaways

The Hollows originated as a large water reservoir supplying Port-of-Spain before its nineteenth-century conversion.
The site transition from utility to ornament mirrors the Savannah’s evolution from sugar estate to public park.
Located in the northwestern corner, The Hollows features distinctive Poui trees and specialised horticultural landscaping.
The area is a primary destination for bridal photography and family picnics within the capital city.
The Hollows is a key component of the Queen’s Park Savannah’s status as a protected heritage site.

Historical infrastructure and urban planning

The history of The Hollows is inextricably linked to the early urban development of Port-of-Spain. During the period when the Queen’s Park Savannah was still emerging from its roots as the Peschier sugar estate, the city required reliable water management systems. The depression now known as The Hollows was engineered to store water for the growing population.

As modern water distribution systems were implemented in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the necessity of an open-air reservoir diminished. This allowed city planners to repurpose the land into a sunken garden, a design choice that utilised the natural topography to create a micro-climate suitable for diverse ornamental flora.

Strategic importance for tourism

The Hollows and the surrounding Queen’s Park Savannah are central to the Trinidadian identity. The Savannah serves as the “lungs of the city” and the epicenter for major cultural events, including the annual Carnival parade of the bands. The Hollows, specifically, provides a high-value visual backdrop frequently utilised in local media, commercial photography, and tourism campaigns. Its proximity to other landmarks, such as the Magnificent Seven and the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), places it within a high-traffic zone that attracts both domestic visitors and international tourists.

Environmental and aesthetic value

The botanical significance of The Hollows cannot be overstated. While much of the Savannah remains an unlandscaped pasture to facilitate sports and large gatherings, The Hollows is a meticulously maintained horticultural zone. The presence of Poui trees, which bloom in vibrant yellows and pinks during the dry season, creates a seasonal spectacle that is a staple of Trinidadian nature photography. The site serves as a vital green lung within the urban heat island of Port-of-Spain, providing a cooling effect and a sanctuary for local bird species.

A secluded haven below street level

If you drive too fast you may pass it, as it is below street level. The Hollows sometimes called Rock Garden lies within the sprawling Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, opposite Killarney (formerly Stollmeyer’s Castle), Wild Flower Park and the Emperor Valley Zoo.

Unlike the verdant fields and bustling activity of the Savannah, the Hollows offers a secluded haven, its history as intriguing as its tranquil beauty.

The Savannah itself boasts a rich past, having transformed from sugarcane fields to a public park in the early 19th century. However, the Hollows carves out its own narrative within this larger story. Originally conceived as a reservoir in the early 20th century, it served as a vital source of water for the Savannah’s maintenance.

Construction of the Hollows

The man behind this project was Archbishop Patrick Vincent Flood, the fifth Archbishop of Port-of-Spain. He was also the behind the construction of The Archbishop’s Palace in 1903. Construction of the Hollows began in the same year, and for a period, the Hollows fulfilled its designated role. It was fed by the St Ann’s River, which passed through a channel from the nearby Botanical Gardens.

Wildflower Park was a catchment area for the reservoir’s overflow. But its time as a reservoir was short-lived. The reason for its eventual draining remains unclear, though some speculate that alternative water sources rendered it unnecessary.

With its watery purpose gone, the Hollows entered a new chapter. Instead of reflecting the sky, its basin became a canvas for landscaping. Ornamental shrubs replaced the water, transforming the sunken area into a picturesque garden. This shift not only enhanced the aesthetics of the Savannah but also created a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking respite from the lively atmosphere of the park.

The Hollows stands today as a testament to the Savannah’s evolution. It’s a reminder of the park’s utilitarian past, a time when functionality reigned supreme. Yet, its transformation into a landscaped haven reflects the ongoing beautification efforts that have made the Queen’s Park Savannah a beloved landmark.

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A haven for relaxation and reflection

While details about the Hollows’ earliest days are scarce, its current form continues to hold significance. It serves as a valuable green space within the urban environment, offering a haven for relaxation and reflection. The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago even recognises it as a heritage site, acknowledging its contribution to the cultural landscape of Port-of-Spain.

So, the next time you find yourself amidst the vibrant energy of the Queen’s Park Savannah, take a moment to seek out the Hollows. Let its tranquility transport you, and allow its history to whisper tales of a bygone era, when a sunken reservoir bloomed into a verdant sanctuary.

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Sources: https://nationaltrust.tt/home/