{"id":258680,"date":"2026-08-04T01:20:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T01:20:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/258680\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T01:20:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T01:20:09","slug":"10m-scranton-park-opens-in-george-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/258680\/","title":{"rendered":"$10M Scranton Park opens in George Town"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Central Scranton Park opening (from social media)\"\"Central Scranton Park (from social media)<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n

(CNS): Central Scranton Park, located in the heart of George Town, was officially opened on Saturday to much fanfare. Political dignitaries past and present, local community members and various public officials, including Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan, who spearheaded the project, gathered at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.<\/p>\n

The park, which has so far cost more than $10 million, has been dogged by controversy since Bryan first announced the project in 2024, when he was tourism minister in the PACT\/UPM administration. Although many have called it a vanity project, the MP for George Town Central maintains that it is a much-needed community space for his constituency and all of Grand Cayman.<\/p>\n

\u201cCentral Scranton Park is more than a new recreational space; it is a place where our George Town community can gather, children can play, families can spend time together, and residents can build stronger connections with one another,\u201d Bryan said at the opening, adding that it was \u201ca place where memories will be made, where families and seniors will congregate\u201d.<\/p>\n

He also defended the cost of the park, saying that the public should see it \u201cnot as an expense, but as an investment\u201d.<\/p>\n

Officials describe the park as a welcoming community space where residents and visitors can gather, exercise, relax and enjoy the outdoors. It includes walking areas, a multi-purpose court, facilities for young people and seniors, and community gathering areas. <\/p>\n

The idea of a park in the heart of George Town was first raised in 2018 after the premier at the time, Sir Alden McLaughlin, acquired the first piece of land<\/a> in the area for the Crown. Bryan, who took on the project after he became a minister, spearheaded the development of a full park.<\/p>\n

Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks took over the project after the NCFC administration formed last year and Bryan was consigned to the back bench. On Saturday, he said it represented this government\u2019s commitment to creating public spaces where families, friends and neighbours can come together.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis park has been designed with the community in mind, providing opportunities for recreation and meaningful connections. We are proud to open a space that we hope will be enjoyed for generations to come,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Posting on social media, Ebanks told the public, \u201cI want you to make full use of these grounds \u2014 walk the perimeter, bring the kids to play, gather with neighbours, and enjoy the peace. But most of all, let\u2019s take pride in taking care of it so future generations can enjoy this sanctuary for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the controversies surrounding the park have focused mostly on the price tag, which is still growing, there have also been concerns about the lack of environmental considerations during the development of the park, contracted to McAlpine, which has resulted in a lack of natural shade and other problems. <\/p>\n

Bryan recently sought environmental recognition for the area as a green space that provides \u201cessential mental health benefits and environmental freedom for residents\u201d. However, the initial clearing stripped the site of most of its remaining ecological value, particularly the bullrush area around the original pond, which led to the disappearance of various species of native waterfowl.<\/p>\n

In a review provided by scientists at the Department of Environment during the development of the park, the recommendation<\/a> to retain the natural vegetation border was ignored, which resulted in the loss of birds and other wildlife from the area. <\/p>\n

The DoE has since suggested that recreating some shallow \u201ccoves\u201d, or indentations, around the pond might help re-establish some of the bullrushes that were originally present. The department also urged the developers to plant larval food and nectar plants for native butterflies, and noted the potential to establish a garden area for traditional medicinal plants, which would attract insect life and, in turn, birds.<\/p>\n

While the park, located behind the Government Administration Building, is now officially open, it is understood that the government is seeking to acquire more land in the area to continue expanding the park.<\/p>\n


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