National Park users request better conditions for recreation

Aug 17, 2013 Sports

By Zena Henry
Some parts of the National Park are virtually useless daily users of the recreation and relax area say, as they complain about the unacceptable state of the sporting areas.

The area designated for long jump.

While certain sections of the park cater for the various sporting activities, athletes say that they cannot use the designated areas, because of the tall bushes or because of the water that settles as a result of untended overgrowth.
A woman who identified herself only as Pamela told Kaieteur News that she would not regularly use the park, but when she does, the area’s unsightly appearance never escapes her. She said much more has to be done to make the Park a better place for the presumably hundreds of daily users.
She spoke extensively on the lack of lighting since, she said, users are often out of the Park by night fall. “Sometimes people just want to push their body and go a bit further especially when you do not regularly get to exercise.” She spoke about over hanging branches, which in her view poses a danger for persons using the area. The tall bushes usually hamper persons from using the grounds resulting in athletes having to take to the streets.
Miguel Jordan said he uses the park regularly, often with his friends for a game of cricket. He said they would use the athletics end of the field, but because it is un-kept and usually in a soggy state, they would use the leg end of the long jump section.
Players say that tall bushes have taken over certain sections of the football and rugby fields, while it is almost impossible to recognize the hockey field.

The rugby goal post is barely visible between the ocean of bush

Members of the Running Brave Track and Field Club say that by international standards they require 400 metres to train on. That which is located at the Park is more than 400 metres but less than that is accessible. Kaieteur News was told that when rain falls, athletes would have run to a certain spot and turn back because other sections are covered with mud.
The athletes say that they have to make do with what is available or they would have to stay home.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment however posted a sign apologizing for what they say is regret to Park users during works to improve the Park. A security guard in the compound told Kaieteur News that the sign has been up for almost eight months now, but no work has commenced in the area. When asked, Park users said that they too have not seen any work taking place in the area.