Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius
and photos by Jules Gibson

A Hoppie, self employed

My daughter attends the National School of Dance so I bring her here. The park is a nice place that a lot of people use for different reasons. I sometimes use it for exercise. It’s breezy and not too crowded and everybody goes about their own business that is why I like the park.

David Duncan, student                                                

I use the park to do sprint training. I prefer the park because it is more relaxing and it has more space for my training. I am in the park from Monday to Friday.

Percival Prince, self employed

I use the National Park to make a living. I sell icicles and I am here to meet the needs of persons who come here to exercise and come to the dance school. Their skin gets hot and they need cooling down and I am here with my icicle.

The park is a place where people come with their family and friends to exercise and to have fun so I think it needs more guards because some people have gotten robbed sometimes. It also needs maintenance generally.

Seon Hamer, private sector employee

I use the park for athletics training. I think most people use it because it has everything associated with recreation.

However, I think the park needs to be upgraded to some extent. The facilities in general need work such as the gym and the dance school building.

Aretha Hoban, private sector employee              

I use it for exercise because there is more distance to cover as well as space to walk as opposed to the seawall which is narrow. However there is just one washroom and it’s too far. I think there should be more washrooms.

Also, I don’t understand why it is you have to pay to use the park on Sunday especially if you want to bring your vehicle into the compound. I did not know that was so until recently. You have to pay for your vehicle the Friday that I don’t understand, but besides these issues the park is a good place and you can do a lot more here than you can some place else.
Jaclyn Telles, private sector employee

I come here to exercise because it is quieter unlike public thoroughfares and I also feel safer in the park. Then too there is secure parking. It is generally pleasing but I think some works, for instance a children’s play park like it had when I was young are needed.

I have a young son and there are not many public places that you can take someone his age, he is two years old, to be active.
Don Gomes, businessman                                        

The park was called the Queen Elizabeth Park and it was used by the upper class as a golf course. For the good of the world, it was turned into a National Park for everybody to use. It is a good place that promotes exercise and conversation in a healthy environment.

I think it will augur well for Frank Anthony’s Ministry to upkeep the facilities such as the washroom and clean the tarmac and ensure the bins are clean. Also,  there should be lights all around the park so that it can be used later in the evening.
Merrano Isaacs, radio announcer

I’ve just started doing walks in the park in the afternoon trying to stay fit. The park is the perfect place to do this exercise without interference. However lighting the entire park and proper washrooms are some things that are needed.
Pattie Murray, Peace Corps volunteer                

I come here to exercise every afternoon. I think it’s nice but I think it can use some playground equipment for children because there is no place where children can play for free. It would be nice to have a place where all children can play.

Lexan, student

I come here in the afternoons to sell icicle and custard and nuts. This is a nice environment and the people exercising will feel thirsty and I’m here. It is a fairly okay place but persons need to stop littering the park. They are spoiling it when they do.