EMANCIPATION PARK: One of the best in the region
A lot happens in Emancipation Park, New Kingston. And, appropriately for a public facility named after freedom from slavery, there is no cost to attend any event that is put on there.
But even before the park’s purpose was settled on and the condition of no entry fee for events held there established, ‘freeness’ was a part of the space’s legacy. The Liguanea Club donated Liguanea Park where Emancipation Park is now located, to the Jamaican Government. In turn, the government transferred ownership of the seven acres to the National Housing Trust (NHT) for the purpose of constructing a park and, importantly, maintaining it.
On July 31, 2002, ahead of the August 1 Emancipation Day that year, Emancipation Park was opened and has been maintained in remarkably good condition despite being used heavily for exercise to concerts, table tennis and, film screenings to simply eating lunch.
The project’s architect was Kamau Kambui.
Even with its jogging trail, covered bandstand, fountain and paving stone walkways, Emancipation Park is also a green space in the heart of the New Kingston commercial district. Palm, Poinciana, Blue Mahoe, Lignum Vitae and Yellow Poui trees, flowers, including roses and well manicured lawns, make parts of Emancipation Park an expanse of greenery and surprisingly serene space among tall concrete structures.
The park’s main entrance is at the intersection of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard, from which a walkway leads to the fountain and, beyond, the stage. At the entrance is the park’s most celebrated verbal statement – the quote “Emancipate yourselves from mental slaver/None but ourselves can free our minds” from Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, which is an adaptation of a Marcus Garvey quote – and initially most controversial visual statement.
The statute of a black, statuesque couple by Laura Facey caused a firestorm of controversy. Named Redemption Song, the 11 feet high bronze sculpture was harshly criticised as inappropriate in some quarters and praised for its liberating nudity in others. The dust has long settled and Redemption Song is a favourite spot for taking pictures – newlyweds included, who are among those who use Emancipation Park heavily, during its opening hours, of 5 am to 11 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 5 am to midnight Fridays through Sundays.
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