-aims to enhance learning for Nursery, Pre-School children

FIRST LADY, Mrs. Arya Ali, alongside Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, on Wednesday, officially commissioned a newly upgraded $40 million play park at the May 26 Nursery Complex in Melanie.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) under the Ministry of Housing and Water, is part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s commitment made during a community visit in January.

The revitalised park, which now serves approximately 200 children, was designed to meet the distinct needs of both nursery and pre-school level learners. The facility includes two designated play areas to ensure safe, age-appropriate recreation, a gazebo for outdoor learning, and dual internet connections—one for each division of the Complex.

In her remarks, First Lady Arya Ali emphasised the role of recreational spaces in child development and community cohesion.
“By opening parks like these, we are giving children safe spaces to play, to build friendships, and to grow. But more than that, we are giving communities a place to gather and strengthen bonds. That’s the real beauty of these spaces,” Mrs. Ali said.

The project marks the tenth play park commissioned under the First Lady’s National Beautification Project, a countrywide initiative aimed at revitalising public spaces and enhancing community life. Other key accomplishments under this initiative include the Independence Park in Anna Regina, the Children’s Play Park at the National Park, the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, and Zia’s Play Park in Leonora.

Minister Rodrigues, in her address, applauded the First Lady’s leadership in transforming community landscapes through child- and family-friendly projects.
“These play parks do more than beautify our communities—they create safe, inclusive spaces where children can thrive and families can connect,” she said.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the school, Headmistress Shawndelle Glasgow said the upgraded play area would significantly impact the children’s learning experience.
“Our teachers and students are thrilled. They can’t wait to explore and learn in this space. This park will enhance both play and educational development for our nursery and pre-school learners,” she noted.

The commissioning of the May 26 Nursery Complex Play Park highlights the government’s holistic approach to community development, combining education, recreation, and infrastructure to create a nurturing environment for Guyana’s youngest citizens.