Dart FoundationFunded Scholars Park in West Bay Officially Opened
(Left)Mrand Mrs. Robert Dart Director of Foundation, in light conversationwith one of the many quests. (Right) The Hon. McKeeva Bush flankedon left by Mark van Develde and John Papesh of dart Foundation
The people of West Bay now have a new-lookScholars Park for relaxation, entertainment and general enjoymentby children and adults alike.
His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Peter Smithcut the ribbon to formally open the new Scholars Park Saturday,17 November.
Drawing from his own experience in England,he underscored the importance of parks in the life of the community.
"I had made a sneak visit to the parka few days ago and I was impressed but today, it is so much betternow that there are many people here enjoying the facilities,"he said.
His Excellencythe Governor and Mrs. Smith speak with West bay MLA and ScholarsPresident Cline Glidden Jr.
Mr. Robert Dart, Director of Dart Foundationwhich has provided the major funds for refurbishment of the park,said, "Our theme of Growing Communities is significant inlight of recent world events". He said that with this themethe foundation highlights family, community and shared values.
This park's development is part of a onemillion dollars commitment made by the foundation for parks throughoutGrand Cayman in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government.
This new Scholars Park boasts of swingsand other play facilities, park benches, BBQ areas and open spacesfor children and family fun. The planning for this park startedbetween 1980 and 1982. Scholars International President and MLAfor West Bay, Mr. Cline Glidden Jr. said that his club invested$100,000 on the project. In addition, members of the club gaveof their time and energy to make the park what it is today.
He said that previous governments did notrecognise the potential value in forging a development partnershipwith the private sector.
"Had that been done we would have beenin a much better position than we are today," he said.
Leader of Government business and Minister of Tourism and Development,the Hon. McKeeva Bush, in the keynote address, said of the park'sdevelopment, "This should serve as a model of what is tocome in other districts,"
He spoke of the early efforts in which hewas involved in having the park developed as part of a largerprogramme of community enhancement and development.
He identified Mr. Ivan Farrington as oneof those who made significant contributions in bringing the newpark to reality. He presented Mr. Farrington with a plaque ofappreciation. He indicated that when he initiated discussionswith Dart Foundation to assist with the development of parks onthe Island, that organisation willingly pledged funding for theproject within which other parks will come on stream in the nextthree years.