Guyana-China Joe Vieira Friendship Park nears completion

– to transform recreation on West Bank

The Guyana-China Joe Vieira Friendship Park, a landmark $12 million recreational development, is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public in the first quarter of 2026. The project, funded through a grant from the Government of China and coordinated by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), is designed to provide world-class sporting, cultural, and leisure facilities for residents of Region Three and beyond. Construction of the park is reportedly 83 per cent complete as of October 2025, with significant progress on both sporting and recreational components. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works and PAC, alongside project contractors, have expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the park remains on schedule for its planned opening. The park’s design priorities active recreation and youth engagement. A full-size professional football field, complete with spectator stands, will provide a venue for local leagues, tournaments, and training sessions. Basketball and tennis courts, alongside a table tennis area, will cater to both structured competition and casual play. A dedicated children’s playground is also under construction, offering a safe and engaging space for younger visitors. Beyond sports, the park aims to serve as a central community hub. Expansive landscaped green areas will provide opportunities for picnicking, leisure, and outdoor gatherings. Shaded seating and strategically placed benches are designed to encourage social interaction, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Plans for an outdoor theatre or amphitheatre will allow for cultural performances, public screenings, and community events. The park’s layout also emphasises accessibility and visitor convenience, with three main entrances, upgraded surrounding roads, and a new exit road at Schoonord to improve traffic flow and ensure easy access. Multiple restroom facilities, including accessible options for visitors with disabilities, are included throughout the site.
A defining feature of the park will be the Guyana-China Friendship Monument, commemorating over 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Officials have described the monument as a central feature that embodies international cooperation, cultural exchange, and the shared commitment of both countries to fostering community development. PAC and Ministry of Public Works representatives have highlighted the park’s potential to support healthier lifestyles, youth engagement, and family recreation. The project is part of a wider Government initiative to invest in infrastructure that directly benefits citizens, creating spaces that connect communities, encourage physical activity, and offer eco-friendly environments for relaxation and leisure.
Once completed, the Guyana-China Joe Vieira Friendship Park is expected to emerge as a premier recreational destination in Region Three, combining modern infrastructure with natural beauty, and serving as a hub for sports, culture, and community engagement for years to come.