SPORTS development efforts in Saint Lucia are receiving a major boost with the rehabilitation of the Mindoo Phillip Park, including electrical and plumbing works, repairs to the north stand, a newly-constructed vending booth, the cutting and rolling of the playing surface and painting of the facility.
For many years, this historic landmark has been the subject of numerous claims of neglect and, according to the new Sports Saint Lucia Inc. Board Chairman, Steven Regis, this is just an indication of the new thrust towards improving and maintaining the quality of sports facilities.
Regis indicated that the SSI’s mandate will go beyond the three major playing fields entrusted to it (Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, George Odlum National Stadium and Mindoo Phillip Park) and with support from the Department of Youth Development and Sports, as well as community groups, the intention is to improve sporting venues island-wide.
A new feature of the operations of the board this time around is the presence of members on site on a daily basis to ensure that work progresses as prescribed. Both staff stationed at the MPP and users are extremely pleased with the unprecedented level of attention being paid to this renowned facility which has produced many great athletes past and present.
Sports Saint Lucia Inc. is maintenance workers have indicated that the surface is expected to receive some much-needed top dressing very soon and the aim is to ensure that the level of deterioration seen earlier this year never reoccurs. Students from Odsan Combined were the first users of the upgraded facility with the staging of their Inter-House Championship on Wednesday last.