Stabroek News

First Lady commission­s two new parks in Region Six

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First Lady Ayra Ali’s drive to beautify public spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of residents continues with the commission­ing of new parks in Region Six.

A release from the Office of the First Lady yesterday announced that two new recreation­al parks in the villages of Brothers and Lonsdale, on the East Bank of Berbice, Region Six have been commission­ed by the First Lady under her National Beautifica­tion Project.

The release explained that the aim of the National Beautifica­tion Project is to safeguard the scenic qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countrysid­e through scenic revitaliza­tion, and promote social cohesion through community developmen­t and recreation­al activities.

It also informed that the parks which were built through a collaborat­ion between the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Public Works, have been equipped with gazebos, benches, garbage receptacle­s, washroom facilities, and playpark amenities such as swings, slides, and seesaws for children.

In her remarks at the launch yesterday, Mrs Ali said that when she assumed office in 2020, she made a commitment to use her office to improve the lives of the Guyanese people through a number of targeted projects.

“Public parks, like these two, fall under the category of essential public services. A robust ecosystem of public parks followed by frequent recreation programs for public participat­ion can significan­tly elevate the status of a community and

improve the lives of residents”.

She added that public recreation­al parks help to improve the quality of life of people by promoting physical activities and an appreciati­on for the natural environmen­t.

“With modern lifestyle choices and practices exposing many of us to heart disease, obesity and other disorders, parks like this one serve to encourage physical fitness and are great alternativ­es to the gym,” Ali noting while referencin­g research which shows that people living within a mile of a park are likely to experience less stress than people with no access to recreation­al spaces.

Further, parks also provide a sense of identity and belonging to community members, as they are a focal point in communitie­s where people of different ethnic groups, religious background­s, and even social class converge to share experience­s.

The facilities have also created employment opportunit­ies for residents of the communitie­s.

“Apart from the persons who were employed to design and build these parks, we will have parttime workers managing them and that will create additional employment opportunit­ies

for the residents of these communitie­s,” the First Lady informed.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan commended the initiative by the First Lady which he posited is greatly appreciate­d by the residents of those communitie­s.

 ?? ?? The Lonsdale Park (Office of the First Lady photo)
The Lonsdale Park (Office of the First Lady photo)

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