Built to commemorate the ending of slavery in Jamaica, this seven-acre property caters to the recreational needs of Kingston’s residents. 

One of the best-kept parks on the island set the standard for public spaces. It shows that Jamaicans can build and maintain significant monuments without foreign aid. 

The seven national heroes’ busts and placks highlight their exploits, reminding people of their strength and courage. Their presence reminds us of where we are coming from and our potential. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate and get some inspiration when feeling down. 

A running turf and open space for games and exercise show the island’s love of sports and athletics. 

An open-air stage provides a space for practice and showcasing the island’s music and performing arts. Perfect for exposing and developing the next superstar.

Freedom, the love of nature, a hallmark of the country, reflects in the wide-open space, flowers, and trees, which attract beautiful songbirds giving the feeling of a true tropical paradise—the only thing missing is the beach. 

The Emancipation Park started with the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. They donate seven acres of land to the government of Jamaica. It was undeveloped for many years while the government decided what to do with such prime real estate. 

Some government members wanted a business district; others suggested a multipurpose entertainment complex. 

Liguanea Park, its last name, was a dust nuisance; apart from the occasional football (soccer) matches and seasonal carnival fete, nothing much was done there. It was an eyesore in New Kingston. 

Not having the capital to put any of their plans in place, the government turned to the National Housing Trust (NHT). They sold the property for JA$1, on condition that they build and maintain a public park, reflecting the theme of emancipation and freedom. 

The NHT had three months to complete this project for the emancipation celebration on August 1, 2002. They built a world-class facility with the expertise of architect Kamau Kambui and a large team of workers. The opening ceremony for Emancipation Park in Jamaica took place on July 31, 2002. 

A central theme in the design of Emancipation Park is that freedom from slavery is acknowledged in many ways. The most apparent of these is the controversial “Redemption Song” statue at the entrance to the park, bearing the line, ‘None but ourselves can free our mind. 

Emancipation Park Garden

You can do many things at Emancipation Park in Jamaica; below are some highlights of things people do at the park. 

Kingston is very hot, especially in summer; the park has many benches and shade where you can chill. You can meet up with friends or sit and enjoy the cool breeze. It’s one of the safest places in the city and has security. 

Bench at Emancipation Park

Live shows take place regularly at the park. The stage and wide-open space make it perfect. Depending on when you visit, you might catch a live reggae show or a promotional event. It’s a public space, so you enter free of charge. 

With everybody being health-conscious, it’s common to see Kingstonians running on the 500m trail. Many people come to the park just to run. The surface is covered with a soft material, which makes it comfortable to use.

Early mornings or late afternoon is the best time to jog if you cannot tolerate the heat. It is safe so you can even go at night. The park opens from 5 am to 11 pm, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule. 

Running trail at Emancipation Park in Jamaica

On any given day, you will see people exercising at the park. It is a popular spot for fitness trainers who want open space to work with their clients. On some days, there are instructors giving dance lessons. Yoga and karate are some activities that take place there. 

The children also have a play area with bars and swings. Adults can also use it for callisthenic. 

Playing Ping Pong is an excellent way to exercise. Emancipation park caters to that with two ping pong tables, which are always occupied, especially in the evening. 

Hop Scotch, a fun children’s activity, is also done at the park. 

Ping Pong tables at Emancipation Park Hopscotch at the park

Emancipation Park is the perfect backdrop for wedding pictures. It is popular with newlyweds. Weekends usually are busy with couples doing wedding photoshoots. The beautiful flowers, tree manicured lawns are perfect for striking a pose. 

Emancipation Park Garden Emancipation Park Emancipation Park Garden

Bird variety may not be numerous as Hope Garden, but there are enough to entertain you. Hearing birds singing in the trees is soothing. You feel like you are in the mountains, in the middle of the city.  

A bust of the National heroes with placks telling how Jamaica got to this point is hard to miss. Next to the redemption statue at the entrance, they are the most prominent feature of the park. Without the island’s liberators, there wouldn’t be an Emancipation Park in Jamaica. So it is only natural that they are featured prominently. However, visiting the National Heroes Park would be perfect for a better display of the island’s national heroes. 

Nanny Jamaica’s National Hero National hero Marcus Garvey National hero Paul Bogle

These are some well-known places that are near Emancipation Park.

Liguanea Club – Hotel and exclusive membership sports club  

Mariot Hotel 

Jamaica Hilton,

Pegasus Hotel,

The Wyndham 

Four Season Hotel, 

Spanish Court Hotel, 

AC Hotel  

Marriott Country hotel next to Emancipation Park

These hotels also have upscale restaurants where persons not staying on the property can eat.

Triple Century Sports Bar, 

Chelsea Jerk Center, 

Sweetwood Jerk Center, 

Devon House Ice Cream- 15 to 20 minutes walk from Emancipation Park. 

Sub Zero Ice Cream.

New Kingston Shopping Center

Sagicor Pedestrian Mall

The post The Best Guide To Emancipation Park In Kingston appeared first on EDB Travel.

Once used as a bus park, the Urban Development Cooperation (UDC), a government entity responsible for some prime attractions on the island, decided to turn it into a public park. Dunn’s River Falls, The Green Grotto Caves, and Pearly Beach are some other attractions in Ocho Rios they operate. 

Family walking in the park

Flower beds, a large pond with fish and turtles, gazebos, a concern pavilion, and a concession selling snacks are some features of the Park. There is also an adjoining parking lot. 

Turtle River Park provides peace and tranquility for those who need a break from life stresses. It’s an ideal space to picnic, walk, take pictures, connect with friends and enjoy nature. 

Parking comes at a small cost, Jm$100 per hour and Jm$ 300 per day. In addition, there is security to ensure everybody is and follows the rules. It is open seven days per week, Monday to Friday, from 7 am-7 pm, and 8 am-9 pm on weekends. 

Section of Turtle River Park

In terms of space, aesthetics, and upkeep, it is comparable to Emancipation Park in Kingston, one of the best parks on the island. 

Park Entrance Walk bridge Stream at Turtle River Park Law and tall palm trees at the park Gazebo at Turtle River Park

During one of my trips to Ocho Rios, I spent some there, taking in the atmosphere. 

I attempted to capture this beautiful setting in pictures to share with you so it can be another place to visit while in Ocho Rios. 

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