Port Royal residents thankful for renovation of beach park playground

Residents of Port Royal have embraced what they describe as much-needed renovations to their local recreational facility, the beach park playground.

The Canadian Armed Forces and the people of Port Royal worked together to complete this project, which was formally handed over on Wednesday.

The newly renovated space, which was said to be established in the late 1990s, saw the installation of benches, 300-watt solar lights, and the repair and painting of playground equipment such as a swing, see-saw and jungle gym which are primarily used by children for play.

Marcus Gordon, a resident, told The Gleaner that in earlier years, the Canadian Green Fund made a donation that resulted in the acquisition of seedlings which locals used to plant trees in the area to provide shade.

“The entire park was grass y’know [but] over the years it fell into decline and from my perspective, we were at our wits’ end as to how we were going to get it back to some semblance of a park,” he shared of the area that is largely made up of loose soil and a few patches of grass.

Gordon shared that he is especially pleased that more lighting has been installed so that residents may use the area at night, as the park was “a well-used facility” and that the neighbourhood was fortunate to have a place such as this where people of all ages could come and enjoy themselves.

‘Clean and wholesome fun’

Continuing, he noted that the response from residents has been “overwhelming”, and that they are very appreciative for the Canadians’ involvement of ensuring that the kids can have “clean and wholesome fun”.

He further shared that over the years, the Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club have offered support to the community through the installation of equipment for the park.

According to Gordon, the locals are currently looking to organise a committee to guarantee the park’s efficient upkeep, protect it and potentially expand operations.

Lorraine Dobson, councillor for the Springfield division in the East Kingston and Port Royal constituency praised the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and successful completion of the work done.

“This park has a lot of use. It can be used in various ways, sometimes when we have to host family gatherings, after-funerals, parties, this park can be used for that purpose because there is not much space in the town for large gatherings,” she said.

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Emina Tudakovic hinted at the possibility of another phase of renovations to be undertaken at a later date.

“Canada consistently supports local communities through our diverse projects and programmes, and we’re pleased to be able to offer this support for our defence relationship which is an integral part of the broader Canada-Jamaica relationship,” she said.

She went on to say that she was hopeful that future generations will grow to enjoy using the space.

asha.wilks@gleanerjm.com