Southern recreation grounds restoration begins

Southern recreation grounds restoration begins
Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Artist renderings for a new Southern Recreation Grounds were revealed by the prime minister on Tuesday – a move that signals government’s official launch of the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative.

Addressing the House of Assembly and then the nation on Tuesday, Dr. Minnis told the nation that the restorations will bring forth modernization.

“The restoration project will go a long way in addressing many of the challenges face in this community by provide a modern high quality safe space for persons of all ages to interact,” he said.

“We will provide and enhance the environment for traditional activities to take place, such as picnics, cook-outs concerts and family gatherings as well as, a space for our young men to interact in a productive way.”

Citing the rich history of the grounds, Dr. Minnis said, that Over-the-Hill residents are eagerly awaiting the redevelopment.

Dr. Minnis said the Southern Recreation Grounds is an important landmark and the revamp will include a new Lillian Coakley Library, better community parking spaces, adult fitness and playground equipment as well as additional activity spaces, inclusive of a new basketball park and the rebirth of the softball field.

He said the entry ways to the grounds will also feature story boards that tell the history of the grounds and the many significant events and speeches given there.

The initiative is part of the Free National Movement’s (FNM) focus on reducing crime, cleaning up the environment and community development.

According to Dr. Minnis, the Englerston community will be redeveloped next.