Urban oasis: Push for fitness, fresh air draw many to parks

Ballers, joggers, tykes on trikes and those wanting a bit of fresh air are gaining a new appreciation for community parks now that they have reopened after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although there are fewer people than normal, individuals and families are slowly returning to their favorite urban oasis, the neighborhood parks, which stood deserted for most of last year when strict lockdown measures were in place.

Masked residents carefully venturing out are silently signaling a shift – things are changing after nearly a year of life turned upside down.

“I wanted to have something to do instead of just going home after work, laying down and watching TV,” said 28-year-old Niketra Bethel, who made the trek to the Southern Recreation Grounds accompanied by her six-year-old nephew, Akeem.

“You have kids out here riding their bikes and scooters, everything they got for Christmas. It’s very family-friendly. It feels safe and you feel good when you leave. More people are taking advantage of it every day.”

Community impact

One of those persons is Teddy Harris, a student at the nearby C.R. Walker Senior School.

He visits the park almost every day and twice on Saturdays – in the morning for the exercise equipment and in the evening to play basketball. On a chilly Wednesday evening, he was working out on the back and arm combo machine along with two friends.

“The reason why I like it here, it keeps the children out of trouble,” said the 17-year-old, twelfth grade student.

“It makes them do something active. Instead of doing other things they aren’t supposed to be doing, they come out here and play ball.”

Even with sizable distance between parkgoers, there is a buzz about this historic space redeveloped last year by Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC) as part of Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’, Over-The-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative.

Beautiful, clean, well-equipped and brightly lit at night, one could easily imagine themselves to be in a gated community rather than in the belly of the inner-city.

“This park has a vibe that’s all its own. It’s a source of pride to the community, a place that belongs to everyone, even if you reside outside the neighborhood. As a park developer, it is definitely one of our crown jewels, along with Silver Gates and a few others,” said Atario Mitchell, BSGC’s president.

“Not every day you get to create something that not only anchors a community but makes people feel better physically and mentally. From time to time, I like to drop by the parks. You get to see the thrills and the spills, whether it’s on the basketball court or on the playground, but most of all, you get to see people have fun. I’m proud that my company and I were a part of it all.”

Across town at Silver Gates in the Carmichael constituency, Latoya Rolle sat bundled up on a courtside bench patiently awaiting her turn for a game of basketball.

A resident of Spikenard, she passed several courts on her way to the 2.3-acre facility, which features Bahamas Striping’s signature, cushioned basketball court with its stripes and markings in the Bahamian flag colors.

“I used to live in this area. It’s how I know about the park,” she shared. “I come here every day. I like the environment. It’s safe. At the facility, hardly anyone bothers us. If I could change one thing, I’d make the lighting brighter, then it’ll be perfect.”

In the past, public parks were at best overlooked and at worst, sorely neglected. In 2019, the prime minister announced 15 parks and basketball courts in the Over-the-Hill community would receive a face lift as part of the government’s plan to enhance and redevelop parks and green spaces throughout New Providence.

Healthy lifestyles

Nature’s ability to rejuvenate the mind and body is well-documented.

“Interventions to increase or improve urban green space can deliver positive health, social and environmental outcomes for all population groups, particularly among lower socioeconomic status groups,” stated the World Health Organization (WHO) in its 2017 report on Urban Green Space Interventions and Health.

“There are very few, if any, other public health interventions that can achieve all of this, and especially the impact on active lifestyles, mental well-being and social interaction,” the report read.

Bahamian clinical psychologist Dr. Valerie Knowles echoed similar sentiments. Outdoor experiences make for happier, healthier people, she said.

“Green spaces allow for establishing social connections within social distancing parameters. Exercise boosts stress reduction, being outside provides increased sense of space and control, which was lost in the isolation demands of the pandemic.”

After refurbishing 45 basketball courts throughout The Bahamas and developing an assortment of parks, the multigenerational draw of a well-designed recreational space never ceases to amaze Dominic Sturrup, BSGC’s executive chairman.

“These are parks for every age, stage and abilities. I’ve seen guys of all ages playing ball, grandparents talking, young kids having fun, couples and singles working out on the exercise equipment or just walking the trails. Parks help revitalize entire communities.”

It’s also helping to mobilize wellness awareness.

Eighteen-year-old Alex and her younger sister Brianne Rolle are determined to make good use of their neighborhood park.

“It gives us something to do in the afternoon,” said Alex during a lap around the meandering Silver Gate’s walking trail.

Brianna agreed: “The plan is to come out at least three times a week for about 45 minutes. It’s a good chill spot, a good place to be in the evening.”

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