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First Lady engages in another commendable initiative
Dear Editor,
“First Lady to build multipurpose parks at Diamond, Tuschen” aroused my interest, as we all concur that outside of actual economic value, these types of projects offer tremendous benefits in the areas of health and environment, inclusive of the social. The news reported that the ‘ever-active’ First Lady Arya Ali launched two projects for the development of multipurpose parks in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The details show that “The parks, which will be located at Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE) and Diamond/Grove on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), are being developed through the National Beautification Project which is currently being undertaken by the Office of the First Lady.” Personally, I mean it is time that things of this nature happen in Guyana. After all, we have the space.
Let me instill in all of us that parks and recreation facilities are there in today’s world because we know that people go to them to get healthy and stay fit. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States), creating, improving and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health and result in a 25 percent increase of residents who exercise at least three times per week. I add that the very presence and availability of these places have a great ‘pull’ factor.
Another big plus regarding this venture, according to a study by Penn State University, is that it was clearly established that “… significant correlations (were found) in the areas of reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and perceived physical health to the length of stay in visits to parks.” If indeed ‘health is wealth,’ the First Lady is ‘right on the ball.’ My hope is that we will all capitalize when all these opportunities are handed to us in the near future.
Editor, many think that socializing has to be in a bar or place of celebration. I beg to disagree. These places in the offing will provide identity for citizens to reap multiple benefits as they cross paths and make many new acquaintances as they indulge in ‘keeping fit’ ventures. In fact, parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors on how livable communities are. They offer gathering places for families and social groups, as well as for individuals of all ages and economic status, regardless of participants’ ability or affluence. Overall, cohesion is birthed when healthy spaces are used for the proper reasons.
In closing, let me firmly iterate, that I am really behind what is about to unfold. I like how it was put over when Lady Arya stated that “I want you to know that once this project is completed, this park becomes yours. So, while it is there for you, the residents to enjoy, you also have to take the responsibility of ensuring it is properly managed.” She added “… both parks will feature recreational and sporting facilities including a children’s play park and multipurpose court; a multipurpose building with conference hall, library, computer centre, training rooms, cafeteria, and washrooms; and amenities including Wi-Fi, benches, lights, fountains, and garbage receptacles.”
Yours truly,
H. Singh.
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