By Alric Lindsay
Community members joined George Town Central MP Kenneth Bryan, his fellow committee members, other MPs and supporters yesterday, September 12, 2024, to complete the groundbreaking for Central Scranton Park. The Park is located in Scranton, George Town, directly behind the Government Administration Building.
Park was years in the making
Regarding the idea for Central Scranton Park, MP Bryan’s Chief Officer Stran Bodden explained that the “project has been years in the making.”
He added:
[It] is a true reflection of what can be achieved when a community works together with a shared vision and purpose.
It will be a park that all of us can be proud of, built with the community’s input, and for the community’s enjoyment, this groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes more than just the start of construction.
It represents hope, progress and the strengthening of our community.
He continued:
We’re excited about this park, what it will mean for the people of Central Scranton, and the wider George Town area. There will be a space for families where friends and even visitors to our islands can gather to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
He concluded:
In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in this project. From the planning team, to the contractors, to the Central Stranton committee, and most importantly, the residents whose input has shaped the vision of this park.
Though there has been many late nights, and what seems like an endless process of behind the scenes preparation, it is with great pride that we have reached the stage where we can invite the public to see the progress being made.
We are looking forward to watching this vision become a reality and seeing the positive impact it will have on the community.
Laying the foundation for a new George Town landmark
Further discussing the idea behind Central Stranton Park and what it represents, MP Bryan said it is a foundation for a place that he hopes “will become a true landmark in the centre of George Town and the heart and soul of the surrounding communities.”
He added:
When this park was first envisioned, the idea was to create more than just green space.
The dream was a place filled with the sound of children’s laughter as they played, where people could run around and have fun on sporting courts, and where seniors can sit together, sharing memories of the good old days.
He continued:
In my mind, when I visualize the central Scranton Park, I see a place that in every corner, every bench, in every pathway, there’s a story of who we are as a Caymanian community. And so I’ve spent countless hours with architects and planning designers on the park that truly reflects the uniqueness of this area. For all the attributes I want this space to have the most important of all, I envision central Scranton park as a place where every member of the community and others can feel welcomed.
Whether it’s for a morning walk, an afternoon game of five on five football, or just a place to sit and soak up the sunshine, this park is meant to be a place for everyone to enjoy.
He concluded:
Aside from all the attributes, the Central Scranton Park will be especially important to the George Town area. Because as we continue growing as a country, it is important that green spaces are included as a part of the development plan to encourage physical activity and to promote mental well being.
Park to be built in phases
As to how Central Scranton Park will come together, MP Bryan described it as multi-phase plan, with yesterday’s ground breaking being phase one.
He explained:
In the first phase, we are laying the groundwork for several key features that will identify the characteristics of this park. These include the landscaping and the construction of building one which is the completion of a purpose-built youth centre.
In my mind, I envision this being a place where kids can go after school for school programs or to catch up on their homework and generally have a space to hang out in safety and with a positive environment.
He highlighted further:
The second major building on this property is the one that I’m immensely proud of. That will be a community senior center where persons of all ages will be able to gather for various activities and social engagements. Though this is a space where other activities can happen, the main focus would be a place for our seniors can come together and enjoy each other’s company or celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Senior’s Day which is coming up. So, all you seniors out there, for all you seniors, particularly in George Town, get ready for bingo nights on Thursday.
He continued:
There will also be a multi purpose court where our youth can meet up and play sports like netball, football, basketball, pickleball or other recreational activities.
We will have restroom facilities with wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that the park was welcoming to everyone regardless of physical ability or disability.
Recognizing the importance of exercising to good health, a calisthenics area has been included for the outdoor workouts which will help to promote fitness and wellness within our community.
Park to incorporate nature
In addition to the physical structures, MP Bryan described how nature would be incorporated into the Park’s plans.
He said: “The existing pond will be retained as a water feature and will be upgraded, allowing visitors to the park to walk around them and walk over them via a bridge. “
He also described the wishing well, adding “another touch of charm to the park’s landscape.”
MP Bryan noted, however, that the wishing well was not just a piece of architecture but instead was “a water spring which has been servicing this community for over a hundred years.”
Continuing to emphasize the natural aspects of the Park, MP Bryan said:
The entrance to the park will be flanked by majestic royal palms while other shade providing trees such as birch trees as many of us know growing up, as well as the Cayman for poke tree as well as as of today’s radio show, we will ensure for historical purposes a caymanian tamarind tree will be placed in the park.
Park to be managed by Central Scranton Park Committee
Turning to the maintenance of the Park and upkeep of amenities, MP Bryan announced that Mr Dale Ramoon and the Central Scranton Community committee will manage the Park “on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government once it is completed.” To make this official, Mr Ramoon signed an agreement in the presence of the attendees, formalizing “the leasing between the Cayman Islands Government and the Central Scranton Committee.”
Note to readers:
Central Scranton Park is on Ms Frances Street, just off Shedden Road, in central George Town. It is within the Central Scranton community, just behind the Government Administration Building and almost adjacent to Cricket Square.
