A proposed user fee plus a broader user policy for the Courland Heritage Park are among several suggestions being examined by the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (TRWRP).
On June 10, the TRWRP hosted its first public consultation at the Black Rock community centre, where residents and stakeholders spoke for several hours on plans for the use of the park and the TRWRP’s vision going forward.
The programme’s interim manager Kelly Manette said the TRWRP, after collaboration with the THA’s Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development, decided to review green spaces across the island under its remit. This, she said, comes with the aim of not only enhancing but also promoting sustainable use of these spaces.
“It is in an effort not only to benefit the residents but visitors to the island as well, and, of course, the long-term goal of sustainable growth of Tobago.”
She said along with the Scarborough Botanical Gardens and Little Tobago, the Courland Heritage Park is another green space that has engaged with communities to sustainably manage and develop Tobago’s finite green resources.
“The Courland Heritage Park user policy that is being proposed – it is a plan to sustainably manage this resource to not only benefit the community but to implement activities, to upgrade the existing resources to work alongside what is already in existence so our natural resources, such as the turtles coming up to nest annually, and again, to develop our human resources: to look at opportunities to provide income-generating possibilities for our communities as well as for all the stakeholders involved.”
Assistant conservator of forests in the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry Darren Henry said the proposal would just include the beachfront and Courland Park, noting it would have no impact on the nearby hotel or private residents.
“We would have proposed a few gazebos – we want to put in about five gazebos – and also, we were looking at putting in a concession area.
“All requests for use of the park must be done in writing and sent to the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme. The request will be basically re-evaluated, and approval granted on a first-come-first-served basis – up for discussions. Users are responsible for cleaning the park and cleaning up garbage after use.
“The thing is it’s on state lands and we are responsible for it as state officials, but we want to manage it in a way with you, the village council, being part of it.”
Members at the consultation supported the idea.
Representative for the Black Rock Village Council Kelvin Charles proposed the vision should be extended from a few gazebos to include a permanent structure. This, he said, should be eco-friendly and complement the nearby sporting complex.
“So it’s going to be made of wood. That structure would have a number of features – office space, an outside stage to facilitate performances, a bar, changing rooms, communal area, dining area, kit
