WITH population growth and expansion, especially in urban areas, comes an increased need for recreational facilities, open spaces, green areas and parks. Towns and cities, it is said, need “lungs” and human beings need natural outdoor spaces.

According to Suzanne Spence, landscape architect at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), parks are “people places” that are designed for either passive and/or active recreation.

Generally speaking, they are transitional spaces where one moves away from the “built environment” to interact with the natural environment whether by sitting, people watching, relaxing or playing games.

Transitional parks are usually located between transportation nodes and are typically walk-through spaces for pedestrians where they can experience some kind of relief in the form of shade trees, shelter and greenery as they move between the bustle of development. One can stop, take a break, catch one’s breath.

The UDC, through the Lift Up Jamaica programme, is attempting to provide more breathing space.

The Manor Park area of St Andrew is one of the communities benefiting from this aspect of the 609-project programme and citizens in this area are pleased with the park now under construction at the intersection of Waterworks, Norbrook and Constant Spring Roads.

“We are very delighted that this project has got started,” says Gloria Palomino of the Manor Park Citizens’ Association.

“It is a well-needed one and one that will provide this community with a recreational space, while improving the aesthetic appeal of the area.”

It was Palomino, who, acting on behalf of the citizens’ association submitted the proposal to Lift Up Jamaica for the upgrading of the public lands at Manor Park to provide the park.

Having lived in the area for over 40 years, she says, she has seen Manor Park grow from a little village to a major commercial hub. Over time, the effects of increasing commercialisation have led to growing concerns about the unattractive and unkempt appearance of the area and hence the need for this new facility.

Under the Lift Up Jamaica project, some 11 previously unemployed persons from the nearby Cassava Piece community are now busy at the site, building a perimeter wall on the property. According to the project plans, the park, which is expected to be ready in another 18 weeks, will have a brand new gazebo and will be fully landscaped, when work is completed.

“When this is finished, it should give a real lift to Manor Park,” says Palomino. Just imagine, the children will now have a place to play, workers will be able to take their break there, and passersby will be able to stop under the cool shade of a tree. After all, we can’t have concrete everywhere…”

The tourist resort town of Ocho Rios is also in for a lift, as the UDC, through Lift Up Jamaica is now in the process of transforming the property at Shaw Park North into a public park. The design will feature an entranceway, footpaths, a gazebo and a guard post.

Shaw Park North, says Suzanne Spence, is an ideal spot for a public park. Located right off the main thoroughfare leading into Ocho Rios, it will provide both visitors and residents with an orderly landscaped entrance into the town.

“This green ‘oasis’ from urbanism will become a meeting place for locals to relax even for a few minutes, mingle, and enjoy the benefits of the natural environment. A park is always an educational opportunity for the public to learn more about the ecology of green spaces and their benefits to a populace that increasingly does not have as many opportunities for exposure to this type of environment, due to urbanisation.”

Because Ocho Rios is a large population centre and a town that welcomes so many visitors, it is important to have open recreational spaces such as that being provided at Shaw Park North. It is envisaged that the park will be utilised daily as a transitional space and more passively by those local and foreign visitors afforded the time to linger to have lunch, relax and take a break from their busy schedule. The park will afford scenic features for simple observation, or for wedding or general photo opportunities. It will be a space for the people.

In addition to Shaw Park and Manor Park, several other parks have been established and or rehabilitated under Lift Up Jamaica. These include the Rudolph Elder Park in Morant Bay, St Thomas, Rocky Park in Harbour View and so on. Plans are also advanced to create a greened entry-court and upgrade the vending facilities between the zoo and the gardens at Hope Estate in Mona, St Andrew.