The upgrade works at Savusavu Children’s Park has come as a blessing for children in the tourist town.

Officiating at the opening of the revamped park, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Premila Kumar, highlighted the development was integral in supporting children to return to some form of normalcy during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Kumar said the upgraded park would ensure safety, better playing facilities and enhance children’s social interaction skills.

She thanked the private sector in Savusavu for always supporting projects that the Savusavu Town Council undertook.

Ms Kumar also showed appreciation to the anonymous couple, who provided the funding for the park upgrade.

The project cost $10,000.

“The previous children’s park which was developed back in the 1980as was in a dilapidated state and had a few facilities like playing equipment, slides and swings available,” she said.

Town Council chief executive officer, Seema Dutt, said the upgrade project was initially planned by the council, and were fortunate to find a donor who was willing to assist.

Ms Dutt said outdoor play and exploration activities at the park would promote healthy living through exercising, strengthen their gross and fine motor skills.

Parents thankful

Parents, Melaia Gonerogo, 39, and Mere logasomo, 43, were overjoyed with the opening of the children’s park. Ms Gonerogo said the upgrade would provide children like her’s with a space where they could express themselves and engage in socialising. The mother-of-two said the park would play the role of relieving stress for both children and adults alike.

“Especially on Sunday’s, we can spend our family time here in the park and the announcement of the bure-like house, which is expected to be constructed soon, will provide both shelter and a space where we host child related activities,” Ms Gonerogo said.

Another parent, Mere logasomo, was moved to tears, when she was  interviewed by the Fiji Sun yesterday. Ms Logasomo, who is a regular visitor to the park with her two children, said the upgrade had provided her children a secured and well equipped playing space.

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