Entertainment in urban green spaces

        Green spaces and parks in the urban landscape represent a break from the monotony of the built environment, they create a physical breathing space, a retreat and secluded area to relax within the hectic and chaotic scenes surrounding it. Most cities contain these physical features as a common urban design feature, with Port of Spain being no different. Within the city limits there are several parks and green spaces these areas have persisted through the history of the city’s development and are an integral element in providing a social balance in this environment.

Pictures showing amenities in Nelson Mandela Park, these features have converted this green space into a living social place of human activity, leisure and recreation. as expressed by Jean Jacobs these facilities creates  a mixed multifunctional area that brings and concentrates people to add to the social life to the city.      

This post seeks to look at spatial variations in open spaces in the urban environment, usage patterns and functional changes in time and space and the various types of activities being carried based on the demographics of the surrounding areas.

Firstly we need to understand how a space is transformed into a place of human meaning and purpose. Parks are a physical opening which is protected from the incursion of the surrounding built environment, however if examined in a social context this place should have the necessary physical infrastructure and amenities to provide a sense of meaning to meet the aspirations and desires of those who seek to interact with it to turn it into a place of human interaction.

General map of Port of Spain 

map showing distribution of green open spaces in city of Port of Spain  

The geographical area of Port of Spain has had a vibrant history and has under gone several changes in its development, however one feature which has persisted are the green open areas. From the Promenade in the south to the Queens park savannah in the north these areas constitute part of the urban form and help to facilitate social interactions. In Port of Spain parks and green spaces are scattered throughout the city, some within main thoroughfares while others are located along the city fringe and areas influenced by urbans sprawl. These spatial variations combined with adjacent land use activities of the surrounding built environment which determines the levels of human traffic across these zones and the available amenities within individual green areas are all factors that will determine how they are utilized.

From the map above the main open green areas are:

1.  The Brian Lara Promenade

2. Woodford Square

3. Victoria Square

4. Lord Harris Square

5. Memorial Park

6. Queens Park Savannah

7. Adam Smith Square

8. Woodbrook Recreational ground

9. Nelson Mandela Park

10. Jackson Square

11. Wild flower park

There are also other institutional reactional grounds such as St Mary’s and Fatima College grounds.  

For the purpose of entertainment these areas may be utilized frequently such as the Promenade and Woodford Square while others seasonally such as Victoria Square. The first two areas mentioned are at the heart of the city commercial areas with the highest pedestrian flows this translates to these areas being heavily used for entertainment activities from people simply relaxing on the benches provided to open air concerts and other festive activities. Woodford Square has a rich historical heritage and can be considered part of the legacy of Port of Spain, this area also known as the University Of Woodford Square is an area for convergence for persons wanting to debate current issues affecting the society it is also an area to relax and admire the surrounding historical buildings.

Top: Brian Lara Promenade, Bottom:  Woodford Square showing the different facets of entertainment in these green space

Victoria, Lord Harris and Memorial square are located further away from the concentrated human activity of the CBD, and are thus less frequently used however they are utilized seasonally and on certain occasions such as carnival.

left: lord Harris Square, top right: Victoria Square, Bottom right: Memorial Square

The Queens park savannah is the largest and most iconic open area of the city. Bought by the state in 1817 it maintains the record for being the largest traffic roundabout in the world. This area has a vivid history from being a cattle pasture, horse racing track and today a multifunctional recreational and sporting area which is openly accessible to all. The southern fringe of the savannah occupies the Grand Stand which is the epicenter for the Carnival parade of the bands, Calypso monarch and Steel band competitions.  This area because of its size can accommodated a wide spectrum of activities simultaneously which also varies in time and space.

Pictures of Queens Park Savannah Top left: general view from northern end, Top right: Kite flying during easter period, Bottom left: benches to relax and coconut vendor on edge of Savannah, Bottom right: Family Picknick in hollows area of Savannah.   

Adam Smith Square and WoodBrook recreational ground both located in in areas affected by urban sprawl. Located in areas with mixed land usage of commercial and residential activities these areas in comparison to other areas closer to the city core can be considered to be underutilized.  Pedestrian traffic flows are limited and the continued conversion of residential housing into commercial activities coupled by the growing segregation and privatopia of the surrounding communities has reduced utilization.  However there is seasonal and sporadic use particularly during carnival.

Nelson Mandela Park formally King George V Park constitutes one of the larger open areas to the west on the cities periphery. It is a multipurpose area with amenities to promote many sporting disciplines such as football, cricket and rugby. There are also purpose built basketball, tennis facilities and a play park area with outdoor exercise gym. This area is heavily utilized particularly on a weekend by adjacent suburban areas.

Neslon Mandela Park to the right Queens park oval. left: overhead view , Top right: play park area, Bottom right; children in tennis courts facilities

Jackson Square and Wild flower Park both areas located in urban residential area of St Clair which has been influenced by the forces of the New Sub Urbanism and created gated communities surrounding these parks. As mentioned before although the area represents a physical green space its underutilization, lack of amenities and limited interaction from the surrounding residents fails to make this areas a green place of human activity and social interactions. This is particular true of Jackson Park while the Wild flower Park has a more naturalistic and aesthetic appeal for simply enjoying the trees and greenery.

Top: Jackson square notice the lack of any amenities. Bottom: Wild flower Park 

There are other opened areas however they are not fully inclusive and accessible to everyone as they are privately owned and managed. These areas will include the Queens Park Savannah, Hasely Crawford Stadium, St Mary’s and Fatima Grounds. All play a part in providing a space for some form of entertainment with control of access to the facilities.

Green spaces within the confines of the city is variedly distributed some have developed organically within the urban landscape while some where instituted as part of the overall design plan. These areas are an integral part of maintaining the cosmic harmony of the built environment and promoting social interactions in this physical space.