Residents of the North Ruimveldt constituency now have access to a playground, which was made possible through developmental projects by students of the University of Guyana (UG).
The new playground, which is located between Kaikan Street and Well Road, was established as part of a community development project that was assigned by the University to students pursuing a public management degree.
As such, upon completion of the assignment, the playground was commissioned
A swing that was constructed at the playground
on Wednesday by the students in the presence of the Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green; Director of Sports, Christopher Jones; UG lecturer Donna Mc Kennon and residents of the community.
During brief remarks, Mayor Chase Green noted that there was need for such projects in the communities which tie in with the City Council’s mission to modify community spaces for the benefit of the younger generation.
“It’s in keeping with the policy of the Council to have all open spaces available for the young people. There were numerous children here this afternoon within the age of three to ten, so I could understand the need for this particular playfield that is enclosed,” the Mayor stated.
She also noted that she was aware of the various students who are conducting different types of community projects in a number of areas in Guyana.
“Whatever you do in your community is how you expect your community to develop,” she asserted.
However, the Director of Sports highlighted that emphasis must also be placed on providing a place for youths not just during the day, but also at sundown. In this regard, streetlights were positioned at nearby locations to illuminate the play park at night.
“There are many other things that could be added to benefit the residents of the area and the young people. It is important that young people have an opportunity to play or gather beyond sundown. One of the commitments that we (the Sports Commission) have made to the students and that we’ve fulfilled yesterday is the donation of lights,” Jones said.
As part of their assigned tasks, the students were given the opportunity to conduct a project in a community of their choice and consequently, North Ruimveldt was enhanced by fencing the deserted area and equipping the ground with a swing and other equipment for the benefit of the children of the community. No official name has yet been given to the playground, but residents have expressed interest in the name Cabaca Square.
