Sulayman Njie, a concerned resident of Banjul, recently addressed The Point newspaper about the alarming state of the park, calling for urgent action from authorities to restore it. He emphasised the need to safeguard the children who continue to use the park, despite the risks it presents.
The park used to be a lively centre brimming with activities such as table tennis, Bobby games, and mini-tennis. These enjoyable pursuits were essential for fostering both physical fitness and social skills among children.
Njie, a childhood visitor of the park, expressed his deep sorrow over its deterioration. “This was a safe haven for children to play, connect, and thrive. Witnessing its current, neglected condition is truly disheartening,” he lamented.
Today, the park is plagued by shattered play structures, dilapidated facilities, and a complete absence of maintenance. Its proximity to the bustling streets of Banjul exacerbates the risks, as trucks and vehicles constantly traverse the area due to nearby warehouses and poor urban planning.
Njie elaborated that the combination of the park's deteriorating infrastructure and its hazardous surroundings creates a perfect storm for potential accidents.
Njie voiced his deep concern regarding the far-reaching effects of the park's neglect on children's lives.
He cautioned that in the absence of a safe place to play, many children could resort to harmful activities like smoking, gambling, or theft. “By failing to offer secure recreational spaces for our youth, we are exposing them to detrimental influences,” he emphasised.
Njie urged the Banjul City Council to take immediate action to tackle the situation. He proposed a range of measures, such as renovating and enhancing the park’s facilities, establishing regular maintenance routines, and introducing traffic safety features like zebra crossings and speed ramps.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of community engagement, encouraging local businesses and residents to play an active role in maintaining the park.
Njie stressed, “By organizing events and involving the community in the upkeep of the park, we can cultivate a strong sense of pride and ownership.”
He highlighted successful park revitalisation initiatives in places like the Kanifing Municipal Council as exemplary models for Banjul to emulate.
Njie firmly believes that the media plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the condition of McCarthy Square Kids Park and motivating the community to take action.
He called on journalists and broadcasters to highlight the risks posed by the park's current condition while also illustrating the benefits of its restoration.
“A safe park goes beyond just providing a space for play; it offers our children the opportunity to flourish in a secure and supportive environment,” he stated.
Restoring McCarthy Square Kids Park, as Njie underscored, is not simply about fixing damaged equipment; it embodies a crucial commitment to prioritising our children’s well-being.
He called on the city council, community members, and local businesses to come together in a collaborative effort to transform the park into a safe haven, allowing children to play, grow, and thrive in a secure environment.
He concluded his appeal on a note of hope, declaring, “Our children deserve more. By taking prompt action, we can create an environment where they can thrive without fear and experience their childhood as it is intended to be.”
