Major renovation of St William Park coming

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has pledged to pump millions of dollars of investment into a renovation project for St William Grant Park.

It is in alignment with other upgrading projects taking place across the island in recognition of Jamaica’s milestone 60th anniversary of Independence.

The Urban Development Corporation last completed renovation of the park in 2010 at the cost of $121 million. The management of the park was then handed back to the KSAMC that same year on August 4.

The renovation of the park back then included refurbishing of the fountain, replanting of trees, the installation of new and refurbished seats, and upgrading of sanitary facilities.

Delroy Williams, mayor of Kingston, revealed during Thursday’s corporation meeting that his administration was pursuing a redesign of the park, including lighting, to make “the Parade space come alive”.

“The Parade area is loaded with history – we have been repeating that – and that the way that area is now is not in keeping with celebrating our history and that major redesign and renovation must take place within that space,”the mayor said.

St William Grant Park, a convenient shortcut for pedestrians criss-crossing the city, was closed for much of 2020 and 2021 in the bid to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The park was named in honour of the 1930s political activist.

Maverley Park, which is located at the intersection of Molynes Road and Washington Boulevard, will also be subject to renovation.

Approval has been achieved for procurement of the first phase, said Williams.

Work is expected to begin in July.