National Park set for major upgrade: free Wi-Fi, boating activities among plans

In a bid to elevate the National Park experience, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has announced an ambitious plan to introduce a slew of modern features that would transform this recreational spot into a hub of activity and convenience.

Unveiled on Friday, the PAC’s Zoning Plan outlines an array of exciting additions, among the standout features being implementation of free Wi-Fi hotspots, facilitating seamless connectivity for visitors who are eager to share their outdoor adventures, or simply stay connected.
The plan includes provisions for recharge stations tailored to electric vehicles, marking a step towards sustainable transportation within the park’s premises. And thrill-seekers can look forward to paddle-boating activities adding a new dimension of aquatic enjoyment to the park’s offerings.
In a move geared towards promoting health and safety, the PAC’s plan incorporates the strategic placement of first-aid hubs throughout the park, ensuring prompt assistance in case of emergency. Moreover, visitors will find scattered across the park’s grounds QR codes that unlock a treasure trove of fitness tips and guidelines when scanned — a modern twist on promoting healthy lifestyles amidst nature’s beauty.

Yet perhaps the most eagerly anticipated addition is the establishment of a Jurassic-themed Promenade that is set to transport visitors into a prehistoric world teeming with adventure and wonder. This is expected to be provided by MovieTowne.
PAC Chairman Robert Persaud has emphasised that this undertaking is designed to elevate the country’s green spaces, offering a unique blend of recreation, education, and conservation.
He said the significance of the plan lies in facilitating a seamless array of activities within the National Park while mitigating potential incidents. He underscored the crucial role of effective space management, particularly in light of Guyana’s ongoing challenges with waste management and conservation strategies.

“This park is yours, and we want you to care it. We want you to use it in a way that others can also benefit from it. Many of you would have seen what happened the morning after Easter. It was nothing but disgraceful and embarrassing, as a Guyanese, to see families come here [the national park] and, rather than to manage and take care of their waste, it was just thrown here,” he explained.
Persaud further explained that assigning specific areas to management teams ensures a structured approach to maintenance. This, in turn, contributes significantly to upholding cleanliness and safety standards throughout the park’s grounds.

Further, he announced that the nation would actively engage in nationwide events to commemorate World Earth Day on April 22. With this year’s theme focusing on “Planet vs Plastic”, discussions surrounding plastic waste management are deemed of utmost importance.
“I think the main problem is: how do we manage and how do we responsibly dispose of plastic? And I do hope that the international discussions that will be taking place are not only targeting plastic, but rather targeting politics,” Persaud said.
Meanwhile, during his current visit to the country, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Gerald Noto took the opportunity to immerse himself in the tranquility of the park. The UNDP is now actively engaged in assisting Guyana to secure funding for sustainable solutions to combat plastic pollution.
“We are delving into the development of a systematic mapping of plastic generation and management, (and) exploring avenues to initiate recycling efforts,” Noto explained.
He noted the numerous significant developments taking place at the park, and expressed belief that the launched plan would significantly impact this transformation.
In the meantime, Commissioner Jason Fraser of the Protected Areas Commission emphasised that the primary objective is demarcating areas within the park for specific activities and purposes while optimizing its use.
“A lot is going on. For instance, we will be having the presence of trainers to guide users…we sit on 560 acres of green space, and with all the development happening around us, I think this makes our space more unique,” Fraser has said.
The PAC’s theme for the National Park, “A Park for the People,” is aimed at maximizing space utilization to fulfill this vision. Among the planned activities within the designated sections or zones are an equestrian area for pony rides, a children’s play park, a gym zone, a free zone, and a dog park. And new initiatives, such as cricket pitches and the installation of bleachers for the volleyball area, are in the works. Stakeholders in these areas are encouraged to collaborate with the PAC in the development of these projects.