THE PARKS department of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has in the last six months, spent over $1.4 million to renovate four major parks in the Corporate Area as part of efforts to create a Jamaica that is aesthetically pleasing.
The parks St. William Grant, National Heroes' Park, Nelson Mandela Park and Papine Park will be properly maintained in order to conserve the cultural integrity of their historical features, while providing relaxation and enjoyment and an area for socialisation, a statement from the NSWMA said.
The St. William Grant Park or Old Parade Square dates back to the 17th century, when it housed the English Military barracks after the destruction of Port Royal by earthquake in 1692. In 1870, Parade became Parade Gardens, after it was laid out as a park, but was not open to the public until 1872. The Park's name changed several times and it was not until 1977 that it was renamed St. William Grant Park in honour of one of Jamaica's outstanding leaders, St William Grant, O.D.
At a budgeted figure of $400,000.00, the NSWMA made several improvements to the park where garden beds were replanted, the grass at the dust bound areas was replaced, an irrigation system was installed, pipe fittings were repaired and the administration block, workers' area, and the wrought iron fencing were painted.
At National Heroes Park the renovation is a part of the $100 million redevelopment plan for downtown Kingston. The NSWMA along with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) have carried out phase one of the plan including landscaping projects at various sections of the park along with the drilling of a well and the implementation of an irrigation system at the park entrance and at the memorial area. The park was initially called Kingston Race Course and was originally used as a horse racing track. It was managed and operated by the Kingston Council in 1808 and then renamed King George VI Park after the King of England, who died in 1952. It became National Heroes Park in 1973 signalling the final resting place for the nation's heroes.
At the Nelson Mandela Park on a $700,000 budget, garden beds were planted, sanitary conveniences refurbished, the entire lighting system fixed and wrought iron fencing established and painted. A new security system is in place and efforts are being made to resume entertainment activities such as film shows.
First known as the Half-Way Tree Park, Nelson Mandela Park was renamed in the early 1990s in honour of former South African President Nelson Mandela.
The Papine Park lies in the heart of Papine Square and serves as an aesthetic monument in the centre of the square.
The NSWMA renovated the park at a cost of $339,000. The park boasts modern sanitary conveniences, urinals were fitted, toilet bowls replaced, plumbing fixtures were corrected, face basins installed, counter tops were tiled and repairs done to the roof and structure of the building.
