fp Turks and Caicos

Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Beaches Resorts, joined forces with several local companies in Providenciales to not only renovate the Fuller and Clementina Walkin Children’s Park but to reinvigorate a once dying community landmark into a beautiful playground for the entire Blue Hills community.

The park which was originally built by longtime Blue Hills resident Anthony Walkin, the great-grandson of Fuller and Clementina after whom the park is named, reopened in time for its 10th anniversary celebration.

The renovated opening attracted several members of the community including several corporate bodies who all came to see the beautifully remodeled playground which came fully equipped with picnic tables, slides, swings, sea-saws and fabulous volleyball court all wrapped in new fences painted in vibrant colors for the public’s enjoyment.

Earlier this year the foundation teamed up with Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) to draw up a plan for the renovation of the park.

“DEMA is extremely happy to partner with the Sandals Foundation and the people of Blue Hills in developing and maintaining the Fuller and Clementina Walkin Children’s Park,” said acting DEMA Director Henry Wilson, who took over from former Director Wesley Clerveaux.

“This partnership showcases a public-private partnership where the ultimate winners are the people and the environment. This park will serve as venue for enhancing camaraderie and cultural values of the youth as well as the adults.

“This is your park, our park and everybody’s park, so everybody should be playing a role in maintaining and protecting it. If you cannot help maintain and protect this park, please do not contribute to its deterioration.”

In attendance was long time Blue Hills resident and community leader Tamera Robinson.

“When asked by the DEMA team to be the community liaison for the refurbishment and future operation of the Fuller and Clementina Walkin Park, I accepted gladly,” Robinson said. “I am pleased to be a part of such a worthy community project. The park is a significant part of Blue Hills’ history.

“The community of Blue Hills is very appreciative of the initiative shown by the Sandals Foundation in making the investment to refurbish the Blue Hills Park. We are encouraged by this partnership with a corporate citizen who understands the importance of community and its role in the country’s total development.”

Last year the Sandals Foundation made a commitment to the Blue Hills community to not only renovate the park but to also add to its existing infrastructure.

“Sandals Foundation is committed to uplifting, engaging and empowering these islands through community improvement projects that not only benefit youngsters but the neighborhood as a whole,” said Beaches Public Relations Manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, who spear headed the project. “It is the foundation’s ongoing commitment to be an active corporate partner in any community projects that enhance the development of children in our community. I am glad that we were able to give this wonderful gift-of-play to the children of the Blue Hills.”

The Sandals Foundation was able to draw the support of several prominent businesses and leaders of the corporate community. The foundation thanked corporate donors such as the Building Materials Do It Center which donated lumber; TCI Paints for the wonderful colors; Sean Astwood of Pelican Designs for the safety information sign; Provo Electric for the all the electric supplies; Patrice and Delroy Williams for completely transforming the grounds and providing their backhoe free of charge; Devon Walkin for generously donating sand for the volleyball court; and CBMS, Sherlock Walkin of S. Walkin & Son Marina, Jays Skips, Island Stairworks and Dock Direct who all came together to make the park a reality.

Blue Hills is home to two high schools, one of which Sandals Foundation sponsors, as well as three primary schools and countless families.

The Sandals Foundation works closely to provide support and assistance to communities, civic leaders and neighbors.

The charity creates programs with a wide scope directed at areas that will have the most sustainable and positive impact in the Turks and Caicos Islands.