Scranton Central Park development gets green light

Paving the way for improvements to what he termed a “haven in the midst of bustling George Town”, Premier Alden McLaughlin told the Legislative Assembly last week that the Government had signed a peppercorn licence with the Central Scranton Community Committee to allow members of the committee to enhance and improve that public space. 

Government purchased the Scranton Central Park, some 1.4 acres in central George Town off Shedden Road, at the end of 2019 with a view to giving local residents the opportunity to enjoy the public space. Now that the licence agreement has been signed, the Central Scranton Community Committee had permission to occupy, manage and carry out improvements to the original park site, plus land situated at Block 14CJ Parcels 22, 121 and part of 182, which is 1.4 acres off Myles Lane in George Town.

Having undertaken an extensive clean-up operation in the area earlier this year, the Committee had a variety of ideas and proposals to develop and improve park facilities for the local community and the general public, Premier McLaughlin stated. To help it achieve its goals, the Committee intended to seek volunteer donations of materials and labour.

“I have every confidence they will be successful,” he said.

Premier McLaughlin said he appreciated the passion of the members of the Central Scranton Community Committee and thanked them for the diligence in working with Government to develop a solution that was a win for all involved.

The Premier outlined how the space had traditionally been an important gathering spot for the local community, as a spot to celebrate special events and birthday parties, as well as enjoy basketball games.

“Now, with the purchase of the land and the signing of the peppercorn licence with the Scranton Central Committee, residents in the community and the public at large can rest assured that an enlarged Scranton Park will continue to be this haven in the midst of bustling George Town,” Premier McLaughlin confirmed.

The Premier said the move to empower the Committee to enhance their environment was in keeping with Government’s focus on enhancing public spaces, noting its efforts to enhance Smith Barcadere, create the South Sound Board Walk and purchase property in the Prospect area for a public park for the Red Bay and Prospect communities.

Premier McLaughlin thanked specific members of the Committee for their hard work, namely Dale Ramoon, Lucille Seymour, Anthony Ramoon, Cheryl Myles, Christine Burke-Richardson and Donna Wilson.

Suggestions for the park’s improvement include enhancing the basketball court, creating a picnic area and establishing stalls for the sale of local produce.