THE Urban Development Corporation (UDC) says locals will keep paying a lower price to enjoy Dunn’s River Falls and Park, even after a massive upgrade for which submitted bids are now being assessed.

“The UDC intends to continue preferential admission rates for Jamaican residents.

Our approach is to ensure that visitors receive value from the improved facilities and experience,” the corporation’s General Manager L Robert Honeyghan said when asked whether there would be an increase in the entry fee for the popular St Ann spot.

According to the attraction’s website, on which tickets can be purchased, the entry fee for non-residents is now US$17 for children and US$25 for adults.

Locals pay US$3.43 and US$6.65 for children and adults, respectively.

The plan is to transform the attraction from a few hours climbing its iconic falls into an all-day opportunity to enjoy local food, cultural events, adrenaline-pumping activities, and cabins for those who want to stay the night.

Advertisements were placed locally and internationally to identify a design-and-build partner.

“We are going through the approval process and the construction phase will follow once all is in place.

The project’s delivery programme is linked to the public investment review, procurement, detailed design, and the applicable regulatory and environmental approval processes,” Honeyghan recently told the Jamaica Observer’s Real Estate on the Rock in written replies.

There was mixed reaction to a JIS News release that described the project as a move to “transform the iconic natural wonder into a modernday Jamaican Disneyland”.

In responses on social media, some have questioned the wisdom of replacing an authentic Jamaican experience with a cookie-cutter North American-style attraction.

However, the UDC general manager has stressed that this is the opposite of what the corporation intends.

“The UDC’s vision is to enhance the experience at Dunn’s River Falls and Park while preserving the natural character that makes it one of Jamaica’s most treasured attractions.

The falls themselves are to remain untouched by any reconfiguration.

The proposed improvements will provide complementary experiences, giving families more opportunities to relax, dine and enjoy the property beyond climbing the falls,” said Honeyghan.

“The UDC recognises the significance of Dunn’s River Falls to Jamaica’s identity and to the livelihoods of people in St Ann.

Its stewardship requires us to protect the natural attraction while considering how carefully planned improvements can create greater opportunities for the people who depend on it,” he added.

One aspect of the planned upgrade speaks to what the UDC refers to as environmental defences.

This will include continued protection of the falls, watershed and the surrounding natural environment, which have been described as “central to the proposed redevelopment”.

Lessons have been learned from severe weather events such as major storms and there will be a focus on making the property more resilient.

“The proposals include replenishing the beach, which has suffered erosion, and creating or improving groynes to help protect the shoreline.

Environmental considerations will inform the design of these interventions, with the aim of safeguarding the natural assets on which the attraction depends,” said Honeyghan.

The UDC general manager also gave a commitment that local stakeholders will have a say in the development as the project moves ahead.

“Our objective is to bring environmental protection, public enjoyment and economic opportunity together.

We want Jamaicans to continue enjoying this national asset while ensuring that its development delivers lasting benefits for surrounding communities and the country,” he said.

Though Dunn’s River Falls and Park is located on the approximately 200-acre Belmont property, the general manager said even after it is expanded it will still be confined to the roughly 50 acres it now occupies.

“Most of the proposed development would take place within that existing operational footprint,” Honeyghan told the Sunday Observer.

The UDC anticipates that the project will stimulate economic activity within the parish.

“The intention is to create a fuller visitor experience while generating additional employment and business opportunities for craft vendors, tour operators, restaurants, and other service providers.

Above all, the development must benefit Jamaicans.

The assets managed by the UDC belong to the people of Jamaica, and our responsibility is to ensure that those assets contribute to their quality of life,” stressed Honeyghan.

“The proposed redevelopment represents a substantial investment, with its economic rationale centred on an enhanced visitor experience, increased visitation and wider benefits for employment and enterprise in St Ann,” he added.

Planned upgrades also include recreational activity such as a water slide, lazy river, and an inclusive adventure zone that includes rock climbing, obstacle courses, and zip line.

There will also be a small amphitheatre for events.

“This will be an emphasis on a zone for a wider variety of sociocultural activities.

The intention is to create opportunities for visitors to enjoy the park beyond its daytime activities,” said Honeyghan.

Camp-style cabins and a wider range of meal options are also planned.

“The proposals include restaurants offering fine dining, broadening the food and beverage options available to visitors.

This would complement the expanded recreational offering and support a longer, more varied experience at the park.

We will also have an improved shopping experience for craft and other artisanal items,” said the UDC general manager.

“The master plan sets out an approach to enhancing recreation, dining and entertainment, while strengthening the protection and resilience of the property,” Honeyghan added.