Hi Trish! The park keeper's name was Mr O Rourke who lived in Wellington St. The head gardener was Jimmy Hibbert and the other gardener's were Jimmy Trotter and Benny Ward. Jimmy Trotter took over collecting the tennis court money which was 6d per hour. Benny lived in Quarry Road. Jimmy Hibbert lived in the park House after Mr Duffy vacated it. In the summer, as you went through the main gate a flower bed greeted you with the fragrance of lobelia, alyssum , wallflowers and snapdragons!
In 1957 I bought a geranium at the Flower Show in the park for 2/6d and we took many many cuttings from it. There was talent shows in the dene. Gerry Roberts dad Jacky always won singing The Rose of Tralee.! In the summer brass band would come from all over the northeast like Cleadon Colliery Band and the coach always parked in Canning St 7pm Sunday nights.
On the weekends a man called Bunty who I believed worked in Leslie's shipyard would bring his dog to have a go on the banana slide with us kids! We ran up the stairs to slide down at high speed sitting on Hunter's or Hendees waxed bread paper! I remember the distinct smell of the Drinking Fountain near the swings which always had a leaking tap. The park Gates were always closed at 9pm.
I lived in Quarry Road next to the park and spent much of my childhood there and today with great memory in detail. I hope this helps you Trish