THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC) on Friday launched the National Park Zoning Plan in observance of Earth Day 2024, which will be celebrated on April 22 under the theme, ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.

The Commission will also be engaging stakeholders as part of efforts to get them to contribute towards the development of the National Park as a ‘green’ space that promotes family, recreation, fitness, health and wellness.
The park was divided into eight zones, with 27 areas for the public to utilise. These zones are: An activity zone, concession zone, dancing school zone, fitness zone, free zone, management zone, Burrowes School of Art Jewellery Shop, and a parking zone.

Delivering remarks at the launch was Chairman of the PAC and Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Robert Persaud, who said: “The objective of the Zoning Plan is to allow different users to understand that we have various sections for various activities, so there is not any level of conflict or any level of competition this way, but we all know which are the designated areas for different activities.”

He noted that they want the public, (especially the loyal and the active park users) to not only understand what these areas are and what types of activities are available to them, but to go beyond that and take care of the facility. He emphasised that the National Park belongs to the People of Guyana.

Persaud shared that the Government of Guyana has given its unwavering attention to upgrading and ensuring that the ‘green’ spaces within the capital city and along the coast are maintained and provided with the necessary type of infrastructure and resources so that all Guyanese, especially the youth, can benefit from the many uses of those spaces.

He stated that the Zoning Plan shows how concerned and interested government is in ensuring that the ‘green’ spaces are developed to allow for various activities to take place.
Meanwhile, PAC Commissioner Jason Fraser stated proudly that there are many changes and additions happening at the National Park, with the help and support of stakeholders, and with strategic guidance from the Commission’s Board of Directors.

“This event is in line with our theme, ‘A Park for the People’ and how best we can use our spaces to satisfy the need of the stakeholders. Provide the space for exercise, for wellness, or just relaxation [or] to come walk, to come run, on a day-to-day basis.” he said.
One of the many new things persons can look forward to includes the presence of trainers to guide persons on how to safely utilise the machines/equipment provided in the fitness area of the park.

In the absence of the trainers, Fraser mentioned that the use of technology will come into play, providing users with video guidance while there.
He added that the fact that everyone has a smartphone makes it easier for technology to be used.
Notably, it was said that in time, a partnership with Brava, a rebranded Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT+) Business Solutions network will make free WiFi access available around the park, so that users can log in at any time and have access to their favourite videos, while also exercising, or listening to an audio book while they do so.

Fraser noted that this initiative also ties into the many initiatives they plan to roll out to enhance user experience at the park.
Measuring 56 acres, the National Park is filled with vibrant biodiversity.