Need for a parks department on the island.

With the grant that we are hoping to secure we are going to improve the existing park (Public Plaza) with some landscaping as well as adding a few trees to the property.  While a small amount of the grant money will go towards the Public Plaza (some 10-15%), the vast majority of funds will go towards the new pollinator park.

With that said, the parks have to be protected and cared for.  While the newly formed La Gonave Wildflower Association will plant and maintain many of the plants and trees, it leaves a very critical element.  That is having someone that will make sure that goats and other farm animals, as well as theft and vandalism doesn't occur.  Also emptying out trash bins and keeping the parks clean would be required.  Having a parks department would not only keep both parks clean and maintained, but any new parks that are added, will have the staff needed to properly take care of them.

These parks are public assets and will help the local economy of La Gonave in many ways.  Industries from Tourism to potential beer and mead making need for these series of parks to succeed.  So we are looking into ways that a Parks Department could be developed for Anse-a-Galets which could eventually be a island wide system.  The biggest issue is funding, however as the pollinator garden is developed along with other parks and community centers we feel that we can make the push for getting larger companies doing business in Haiti to finance the parks department.  We possibly have to consider some sort of sponsorship program as all of the potential crops and herbs produced at these parks would be put back into buying more seeds and tools.  Initially about 2-3 staff workers would be needed to run the parks department for the first few years.

This Parks Department could also be useful if the island ever develops into a Special Administrative Region of Haiti.

Stay tuned!

Go Gonave!

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