Many of the parks in Cayman are managed by the Government through its Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit. The Islands parks have benefited from the ‘Growing Communities’ scheme. This is a multi-million pound public/private partnership aiming to provide a public park in every district in Grand Cayman.
The parks all have family-orientated playground facilities, Caribbean landscaping and other amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables. They have been built by the Dart Foundation on land owned by the Government. The parks to be built in each district are:
Other recreational parks in the Islands include developed and more informal space, such as Heritage Park in West Bay or Airport Park. The latter is found in a corner of the airport opposite Fosters Food Fair and has been recently restored. It is a must for any young aircraft fan, as it is possible to sit and watch the planes taking off. The park is also equipped with seesaws, slides and a volleyball court. A special addition is the turtle pond behind the park.
There are also parks maintained by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
Bodden Town Guard House Park was originally built to protect Bodden Town, and is now home to a park as well as historical information about the town. East End Lighthouse Park houses a solar-powered warning light. East End was once a port of entry, and the lighthouse was built to protect ships from the treacherous reefs.
The Dart Family Park on South Sound is a shady refuge just a short drive from town. The landscaped gardens are a tranquil setting, making up for the noise and excitement of the new play equipment. The park has an amphitheatre, and gazebos in which to picnic.
Scholars Park is located on Stadium Drive, near the Common in West Bay. It is equipped with climbing frames and equipment, and a huge sand pit. Other facilities include barbeque pits and cabanas, toilets and wide play areas.
The playgrounds and landscaped gardens of Jarold Smith Park on Hutland Road service the community of North Side.
The park in East End is known as the Captain George Nixon Park.
The last of the five parks to be built as part of the Growing Communities initiative will be in Bodden Town.
Cabanas at parks can often be booked for children’s parties, for just CI$1, – by calling RPCU on 945 6705
