…under the National Beautification Project, Zia’s Play Park officially opens
A new recreational oasis officially opened its gates Friday, as First Lady Arya Ali, joined by key officials, commissioned Zia’s Play Park — a flagship initiative under her National Beautification Project. The park is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.
First Lady Arya Ali speaking at the opening of the play park
Located in Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), the new park features a children’s play area, a gazebo, washroom facilities, comfortable seating, lighting, and an assortment of fruit trees. Designed to serve as a central gathering space for nearby villages, Zia’s Play Park will give families a safe, welcoming environment to unwind, connect, and stay active.
Speaking at the simple commissioning ceremony, First Lady Arya Ali reminded those gathered that true development can be measured not only by new roads and bridges, but also by an improved quality of life for citizens.
The brand-new park
“Each time we open a new park or public space, it reminds us that apart from roads, bridges, and big buildings, development is also about creating spaces where our children and people can relax, feel safe, and enjoy a better quality of life,” she said. The National Beautification Project, led by the Office of the First Lady, has already transformed nine public spaces across the country into thriving parks and recreational areas. With eight more currently under development, the initiative is reshaping the physical and social landscape of communities by promoting environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and healthy lifestyles.
“…as a Government we have placed great emphasis on ensuring that our citizens build stronger bonds with each other. That’s the real beauty of public spaces – they bring us closer as families, as neighbours, and as a nation,” the First Lady added.
As she closed her remarks, Mrs Ali urged the residents of Leonora and neighbouring villages to properly manage the facility and guard against vandalism and destruction, which have been observed at other public venues across the country.
“I hope this park brings joy to your children, peace to your families, and pride to the community. Please take care of it. Guard against vandalism and destruction, which we have seen at so many of our public spaces. You have a duty to ensure this park is preserved so that our children can continue to enjoy these amenities,” Mrs Ali stressed.
She also encouraged residents to “keep working together as we continue to build a Guyana where development feels personal, where beauty is part of everyday life, and where our communities always have a place to grow and thrive.”
Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang also spoke at the ceremony, emphasising the warm and friendly relations between Guyana and China. She noted that China is proud to support Guyana’s development through a number of projects and programmes, including Zia’s Play Park.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Regional Chairman of Region Three, Inshan Ayube, also delivered brief remarks, underscoring the rapid expansion and unprecedented development taking place in Region Three.
