Jarrett Park revamp well under way

After years in the doldrums, life is steadily returning to the iconic Jarrett Park, the once go-to venue, undergoing a much-needed facelift, restoring its vibrancy and bringing it back into the football spotlight.

The renovation has transformed Jarrett Park into a match-ready arena, which the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has fully certified to host Jamaica Premier League games.

Bryan Miller, chairman of Jarrett Park Management Committee told, The Gleaner that progress has been made to refurbish the venue.

“Hurricane Melissa did extensive damage to the park. It might have been a blessing in disguise for the Jarrett Park Development Committee because it also did extensive damage to the Catherine Hall Stadium, which is Montego Bay United’s (MBU) home field. The executive of MBU decided that they’ll strike a deal with management of the development committe to work together and bring back the park to a fitting condition where national league matches can be played,” said Miller, who said the park was also used as a shelter during the hurricane.

“All that has done is sped up Jarrett Park Management Committee’s plans. To assisst MBU, it is a collabarative effort with them that is taking place right now,” added Miller.

Temporary home

There has been an ongong effort to have the park cleaned, the stands painted, the facilities upgraded, and the playing surface enhanced.

The result: happier fans and players.

MBU now uses the park as their temporary home and have played their two last home JPL games there.

According to Miller, the next major project involves clearing debris, refurbishing stands, replacing a blown light and advertising boards.

The management committee has been in discussion with a scrap metal buyer to buy what is left to be cleared from the park.

“As it stands now, we are refurbishing two bathrooms. We had to rent portable potties, but we are sure that the next home game in January, we might not have to rent any,” said Miller.

Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitemore, Mount Pleasant Academy’s head coach, is a former national player who played at Jarrett Park for Seba United.

After a 1-0 victory over MBU on Sunday, Whitemore said it was significant to secure a win at the historic venue.

“It is always good coming to Jarrett Park and play. It’s a lot of memories, both playing and now coaching. Coming here this afternoon, and getting three points, for a long time, it’s warranted,” said Whitmore.

Like Whitemore, Miller said Jarrett Park was once viewed like the National Stadium in Kingston.

“Every top Montego Bay, western Jamaica footballer in the past, may not have considered themselves at a high standard of football until they managed to play at Jarrett Park,” said Miller.

“For some reason it was allowed to get out of hand and run down, but I must congratulate the present mayor of Montego Bay. He sees the vision that will see the facility return to its former glory,” added Miller

The property was purchased by the St James Parish Council, now St James Municipal Corporation, in 1957, fulfilling the need for a permanent recreational venue for the residents of Montego Bay.

It has seating capacity for 4,000 people.