Queen Elizabeth II Park Reopens in Road
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands has reopened Queen Elizabeth II Park in Road Town after completing structural and drainage upgrades to improve safety, accessibility and resilience to heavy rainfall. VINO reports the roughly 0.74-acre site, established in 1974, has evolved into two multi-use areas serving children and adults and is open this weekend for visitors to enjoy the improvements. Residents are encouraged to visit, keep the area clean, and report any damage or safety concerns so the Trust can maintain the site for future use.
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands has reopened Queen Elizabeth II Park in Road Town following a round of renovation works intended to improve public safety, accessibility and resilience to heavy rainfall. The Trust announced the reopening in a post on its official Facebook page, sharing photographs of the upgraded lawns and facilities.
The small but well-loved park was established in 1974. Local reporting differs slightly on exact size: the Trust and earlier reports referred to the park as approximately 0.7 acres, while Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) describes it as 0.74 acres and notes the site has evolved from a small seaside garden into two distinct multi-use areas with recreational facilities for both children and adults.
Located on the waterfront with a gazebo overlooking Road Harbour, Queen Elizabeth II Park remains an important urban green space for Road Town residents. The site features landscaped lawns, a children’s playground and seating areas that are popular for short walks, lunch breaks and neighbourhood gatherings — functions the Trust said the upgrades were designed to protect and enhance.
According to the Trust, the latest works included structural improvements, enhancements to rainwater drainage systems and general repairs aimed at improving accessibility and the long-term condition of park facilities. The upgrades place particular emphasis on better drainage to reduce flooding and erosion during heavy rains — a priority as the British Virgin Islands continue adapting public spaces to changing weather patterns and the realities of hurricane season.
The Trust’s Facebook post said: "We’re excited to welcome families, friends, and visitors back to this cherished green space in Road Town — a perfect spot to unwind, take a walk, or let the little ones play." VINO confirmed the reopening and added that the park is open this weekend for residents and visitors to see the new upgrades.
Queen Elizabeth II Park has seen intermittent closures for maintenance in recent years. It was previously closed in 2021 for playground repairs, and an earlier major landscaping and construction programme led to a reopening in 2016. The Trust said the most recent round of improvements is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the park remains a safe, beautiful and relaxing space for everyone to enjoy.
The Trust is asking the public to use the space responsibly, report any damage or safety concerns, and support ongoing maintenance by keeping the park clean. Residents and visitors interested in viewing the upgrades can find photos on the Trust’s social media and are invited to return to the park to help preserve the site for future use.
This article draws on the National Parks Trust’s Facebook announcement and reporting from Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Primary source: JTV