Honouring the legacy of the Old Folly Scenic Park as a resting haven for travellers, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett inaugurated the newly developed space in Discovery Bay, St Ann on May 31. 

This landmark occasion marks the culmination of a transformative project aimed at enhancing the natural beauty and visitor experience along the North Coast Highway.

The Old Folly Scenic Park development project, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), unfolded in two significant phases.

Phase one included the clearance of approximately one acre of land, the installation of palm trees and various flowering plants, and decorative fencing spanning 800 meters. Enhancements also comprised desilting, curb wall painting, and the construction of a gazebo, with beautification extending to the Bengal Bridge.

Phase two focused on further landscaping efforts, incorporating grassing, flowering plants, and stepping stones. To ensure sustainability, 16 solar LED dusk-to-dawn lighting systems and a 650-gallon water tank were installed, providing the necessary fittings to maintain the park’s lush environment.

Minister Bartlett highlighted the importance of the park for residents, tourists, and community groups, providing a scenic space equipped with comfortable amenities for leisure and relaxation.

Expressing excitement about the park’s aesthetics, he mused, “The Old Folly Scenic Park is particularly made to be an example and is going to be replicated across the North Coast area.”

Bartlett also praised the adoption of the park by Guardsman Hospitality Limited under TPDCo’s Adopt-An-Area Programme, a five-year partnership ensuring the park’s maintenance and care.

According to the tourism minister, “The Old Folly Park that we are inaugurating today is not only for tourists but for the people of Discovery Bay, who will invite tourists to come and enjoy it.”

Bartlett underscored the integral role of tourists within the community, noting that “Tourists are not an imposition on the community. The tourist that comes is part of the income-generating activity of the community.”

Emphatic in his speech, he believes tourist arrivals stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange, enriching both the community and the visitor experience.

The park, strategically located along the North Coast Highway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, now serves as an indication of the ministry’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural beauty.

TPDCo executive director Wade Mars echoed the minister’s remarks with a call to celebrate the splendor of Jamaica and the opportunities it brings, stating, “Let this park be a place of joy, relaxation, and connection for all who visit.”