Four community spaces, which have served generations of residents, are set to begin new chapters as the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), launches a $36.8-million Community Space Renovation Initiative designed to strengthen community safety, expand opportunities for at-risk youth, and support violence prevention in hot spot communities.

The initiative, which will be officially launched on Friday, forms part of the Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation (CREATE) Project, funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the PADF.

Through the renovation of the Parade Gardens Community Centre, Majesty Gardens Multipurpose Court, Norwood Community Centre, and Grange Hill Multipurpose Court, the project is creating safe and accessible spaces that expand opportunities for young people to participate in structured recreational, educational, and community activities.

By increasing access to positive youth engagement and strengthening community connectedness, these revitalised spaces will support broader efforts to reduce risk factors associated with youth involvement in crime, gangs, and violence, while promoting safer communities.

The CREATE Project applies Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles alongside customised psychosocial support, case management, workforce readiness, and community engagement interventions to reduce risk factors associated with youth involvement in gangs and other criminal activity while expanding pathways to education, employment, and positive civic participation.

Kimberly Seymour Brown, project coordinator for the CREATE Project, said the initiative is about creating spaces that support community safety long after the renovation work is complete.

“By renovating these spaces, we are creating environments that encourage positive youth engagement, strengthen community connections, and provide constructive alternatives that help reduce young people’s involvement in crime and violence.

SEYMOUR BROWN…the initiative is about creating spaces that support community safety long after the renovation work is complete. 

“Through the CREATE Project, we are investing not only in infrastructure, but also in the people, partnerships, and opportunities that help communities become safer, more connected, and better equipped to support young people,” said Seymour Brown.

The renovation programme has been shaped by consultations with residents to ensure each facility reflects the priorities of the communities it serves.

Every design incorporates CPTED principles, including improved lighting, enhanced visibility and better access to encourage greater community use while deterring criminal activity.

Once completed, the facilities will host a range of programmes and activities, including youth clubs, homework support, sports training, netball and football competitions, skills development workshops, parenting sessions, health fairs, community meetings, and mentorship initiatives.

The upgraded spaces will also provide opportunities for the JCF to expand its community policing efforts through outreach programmes and positive engagement with residents.

Construction will be carried out in two phases over a seven-month period. Phase One will focus on the Parade Gardens Community Centre and the Majesty Gardens Multipurpose Court, while Phase Two will deliver upgrades to the Norwood Community Centre and the Grange Hill Multipurpose Court.