Renovation and maintenance works at the Sulphur Springs Park

The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) has strategically been engaged in the rebranding of its product offering to the patrons and visitors who come to the world-renowned Sulphur Springs Park. The premier touristic site stands as one of the most notable attractions in regional eco-tourism packages and garners substantial income through its daily operations.

The multi-tiered enhancement plan encompassed rehabilitation and renovation works to enhance aesthetics and operational safety in order to improve visitor experience, general appeal and marketability.

The maintenance and renovation campaign cost approximately $60,000 and provided short-term employment for a number of people from Soufriere. Completed works included repairs and painting of the park’s interpretation centre and associated offices, painting, electrical, carpentry and plumbing interventions to a cashier’s booth, staff quarters and kitchenette. Further to the itemized project schedule, two canteens and a vending booth were also refurbished.

One of the most critical works undertaken, having been under a dire state of disrepair and neglect under the organization’s former administrative management, was the urgent repairing, painting and constructing of over 1,500 feet of timber railings alongside designated pathways throughout the park.

“We want to maintain high health and safety measures so that visitors and staff are within a safe and secure environment, all the while uplifting the general appearance of the site,” said Malcolm Mathurin, Project Officer at the SRDF.

According to the Executive Director of the SRDF, Jimmy Haynes, “These works are the beginning of many planned undertakings to catapult this unique product to the next level. Further enhancements will include the constructing of two additional “Black Water” pools to satisfy visitor demand, the construction of a new cashier’s and security booth to augment the visitor arrival process and a much-needed installation of additional water tanks to alleviate the dire water shortage experienced on a consistent basis through inadequate supply from the utility provider.”

Additionally, the SRDF has intimated its plans to improve the vending village at the park site which accommodate local vendors and has been a staple attraction with the sale of souvenirs and local arts and craft.

The Soufriere Foundation is a non-profit company located in Soufriere. Its mandate is to undertake social, cultural, human resource, tourism and infrastructure development in the Soufriere area. The organization, which was established in 1993, generates revenues from its operational sites: the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail, Comfort Center, Soufriere jetties and 88.5 Soufriere FM.