No. 63 Beach now home to Guyana’s largest recreational park

Guyana’s largest recreational park has been commissioned at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), transforming one of the country’s most popular beach destinations into a modern recreational facility.
The approximately one-kilometre-long facility, officially commissioned on Wednesday by First Lady Arya Ali, features children’s playgrounds, gazebos, walking paths, seating areas, washrooms, vending kiosks, sporting facilities, and extensive lighting.

The park is part of the National Beautification Project spearheaded by the First Lady, and represents a significant investment in improving public recreational spaces while creating new opportunities for tourism, sports, and small-business development.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, announced that the Number 63 Beach facility had surpassed the recreational park at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, which previously held the distinction of being the country’s largest.
“Well, Diamond has lost its place to 63 Beach because, as of now, 63 Beach is the largest park we are delivering to the people of Guyana this afternoon. And for those of you who like walking and who have your smartwatch, you can put it on, and you can take an evening stroll. It’s about one kilometre long,” Edghill declared.
Long regarded as one of Guyana’s most popular destinations for family outings and excursions, No. 63 Beach has traditionally attracted visitors seeking relaxation along the Atlantic coastline.
Its expansive shoreline, refreshing sea breeze and open coastal surroundings have long contributed to its appeal, particularly during weekends, holidays, and other occasions when families and groups travel to the beach for recreation.
The transformation has introduced modern amenities while preserving the natural character that has made the location a familiar destination for generations of Guyanese.
Colourful children’s playgrounds, including rocket-themed play structures, slides and other attractions, complement shaded gazebos, picnic tables, and seating areas distributed throughout the facility.
Paved walking paths, recreational spaces and lighting have also been incorporated into the project.
The beachfront setting provides visitors with views of the Atlantic Ocean, while designated vending areas and other supporting facilities are intended to accommodate increased activity as the park develops into a major recreational destination.

Attract visitors
Edghill said the Government wants the facility to attract visitors from across Guyana and overseas, building on the beach’s longstanding reputation.
“Residents of Berbice and people of Guyana, this 63 Beach Park and facilities here must become a must-visit for everyone who visits Guyana. Because this is not just about being able to play or come and have a lime, but this must become a major tourist destination in Guyana,” he said.
The Minister recalled that organised excursions to Number 63 Beach were once a popular activity, with visitors travelling from Georgetown and other parts of the country to spend time along the Corentyne coastline.
He said the new development presents an opportunity to revive and expand that tradition, positioning the beach as a destination that visitors to Guyana would be encouraged to experience.
Edghill drew comparisons with the transformation of the Georgetown Seawall, noting that beautification initiatives have helped enhance its appeal as a place of recreation and social interaction.

Sporting activities
Apart from tourism, the Minister outlined plans to establish Number 63 Beach as a venue for organised sporting activities.
He disclosed that the facility includes areas designated for volleyball and football, providing opportunities for competitions that could attract spectators and encourage greater participation in sports.
“We must be able to come to the 63 Beach on a Saturday evening or on a Sunday evening to watch a volleyball competition or a beach football competition being played right here. So, we also want to see sports and sports development, and with sports development, it would lead to economic opportunities,” Edghill stated.
He explained that sporting events and increased visitor traffic could stimulate commercial activity, particularly among small businesses providing food, refreshments, and other services.
The development includes facilities where entrepreneurs can operate, allowing surrounding communities to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with a growing recreational destination.
Edghill also highlighted the contribution of Berbice contractors to the project’s construction.
“I am happy to report that all the work that was done in this facility was done by small and medium-sized contractors right here from Berbice,” he announced.
The Minister said the involvement of local contractors helped generate employment while strengthening the region’s capacity to undertake infrastructure projects.

Accessible public spaces
Meanwhile, First Lady Arya Ali said the transformation of Number 63 Beach reflects a broader commitment to improving the well-being of Guyanese by creating accessible public spaces that encourage recreation and stronger community relationships.
Reflecting on the beach’s longstanding place in the lives of Guyanese, she recalled the memories associated with family outings, kite flying, and time spent enjoying the coastal surroundings.
She observed that although Number 63 Beach had always possessed natural beauty and sentimental value, it previously lacked the amenities necessary to realise its full potential.
“But this development is about much more than beautification. It is about improving the quality of life of our people and creating spaces that contribute to healthier and more connected communities,” the First Lady stated.
Ali explained that development should not be measured solely by physical infrastructure but also by the opportunities created for people to enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives.
She said the National Beautification Project recognises the importance of physical, mental and social well-being, with recreational spaces playing a role in bringing communities together.
Ali also expressed hope that the facility would contribute to the livelihoods of families in surrounding communities by encouraging commercial activity.
The Number 63 Beach Recreational Park is the fifth such facility commissioned in Region Six, following earlier developments at Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Lonsdale and Brothers.
It is also the 18th recreational park developed under the National Beautification Project.
Edghill disclosed that arrangements for maintaining the facility, including provisions for cleanliness and security, had already been established before its commissioning.
The First Lady emphasised that the park’s long-term success would depend not only on those arrangements but also on the commitment of residents to protect the investment.