My Jamaica Your Jamaica

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 10 - DECE MBER 16, 2020 | www.jam aica-gleaner.com | I J AMAICA’S SECOND city, Montego Bay, will welcome a new beach spot for tourists and locals alike in early 2021. The Closed Harbour Beach Park is currently under construction in the tourism hub of western Jamaica. The park, which is ideally located along Jimmy Cliff and Howard Cooke boulevards, is approximately seven minutes from the Sangster International Airport and in proxim- ity to Montego Bay’s award-winning cruise port. On completion, this free public-ac- cess beach park, which spans 16 acres, will be an active public park and recreational focal point for the city. Well known for its pristine beaches, Montego Bay welcomes this new ad- dition to the mix. Closed Harbour Beach Park, which is being constructed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) Jamaica, is envisioned as a multi-fo- cused facility where visitors may par- ticipate in a number of activities. A family-friendly space, Closed Harbour has a children’s play area, inclusive of a jungle, swings and slides, a mul- ti-purpose court which can facilitate basketball and netball, a pedestrian promenade with a seating wall, and is wrapped by a jogging trail. The landscaped areas around the park can also accommodate holistic wellness activities such as yoga and aerobics. Of course, the clear, bluewaters of thebeachpark are themainattraction, and will have the added thrill of water and beach-related sports. Onopening, ClosedHarbour will have 12 shops with various offerings. Visitors to the park will also have access to local sweets and treats, authentic Jamaican foods andbeverages andother takeaway, retail items, to commemorate their visit. Careful consideration has been made to manage the environmental sustainability of Closed Harbour. The park’s design incorporates the use of re- newable and sustainable technologies, to mitigate coastal erosion and provide resiliency. In fact, the jogging trail at the facility is of a rubberised surface made of re- cycled materials for construction. The park is also home to several species of plants which are endemic to Jamaica. These have been planted throughout the grounds, adding to the overall aes- thetic of the facility. Construction of Closed Harbour Beach Park commenced in 2019 and it will be ready to welcome visitors in February 2021. The UDC is committed to delivering a safe recreational space that is of benefit to local and international visitors. We look forward to welcoming you to Closed Harbour Beach Park in 2021! Some of the Harbour Shops under construction at the new Closed Harbour Beach Park in Montego Bay. The entrance to the new Closed Harbour Beach Park in Montego Bay which is scheduled to be opened in February 2021. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS The finishing touch being placed on Montego Bay’s newest attraction, the Closed Harbour Beach Park. CONTRIBUTED Jamaica welcomes newest attraction CLOSEDHARBOUR BEACH PARK 14 MY JAMAICA, YOUR JAMAICA THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMB R 10, 2020 - JANUARY 9, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | MY JAMAICA , YOUR JAMAICA