The National Conservation Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to the development of recreational spaces across the island, in its bid to ensure that the family and the community are brought together to promote socialisation.

With approximately 42 play parks and recreational areas having been?? developed to date, the most recent being at Belfield, St. Michael; and Gall Hill and Bath (refurbished and re-opened), St. John, young residents of ??the ??Ellerton, St. George ??district and its environs will be the next to benefit.

The NCC, with the support of the Barbados Children’s Trust, will this Saturday, October 17, at 4:00 p.m., be officially opening its newest play park in the Ellerton Gardens development.

According to NCC, Special Projects Officer, Ricardo Marshall, the equipment at Ellerton has been sponsored by the Trust, which has made a public pledge to sponsor additional facilities. Mr. Marshall said plans were on stream to establish approximately six new facilities within the current financial year.

"In fulfilling our mandate, we build self-esteem, confidence and strengthen families, which, by extension strengthen communities and the country as a whole," he explained.

"Play is so great a part of [a] child’s life that people often overlook its important role.?? It is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and educational well being of children and youth. In fact, it is so important to optimal child development that the United Nations High Commission has recognised it for Human Rights as a right of every child," Mr. Marshall maintained.

The NCC official noted that in addition to allowing children to let off nervous energy, playing also helped them to develop socially, to make friends, learn to share,?? co-operate and?? develop conflict resolution skills.

cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb

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