Restoration Underway at Pier Park Lawn
Management of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park says restoration work is underway after widespread photos showed a damaged lawn following the removal of VISAR’s Winter Wonderland ice rink. VISAR will fully sponsor replacement with AstroTurf, but shipping delays have pushed installation back and interim measures are being taken to keep the area safe and presentable.
Romney Tortola Pier Park management has moved to reassure residents and visitors after images showing a worn and damaged lawn — left after the removal of VISAR’s Winter Wonderland ice-skating rink — circulated widely on social media. Members of the public expressed concern that the unsightly turf, visible to cruise ship passengers as one of the first areas they encounter on arrival, could reflect poorly on the territory.
Pier Park officials acknowledged those concerns but said the damage was expected given the heavy and prolonged use of the space throughout the Christmas season. Management explained the lawn was deliberately chosen as the location for Winter Wonderland as part of a wider strategy to spread foot traffic across the Pier Park.
The move was intended to ensure increased visitor numbers benefited all tenants and did not concentrate activity in a single area. Because the lawn was in near-constant use during the holiday period, visible wear became inevitable once the skating rink and its supporting structures were removed.
Pier Park further confirmed that arrangements were made in advance with VISAR for a permanent upgrade: the existing grass will be replaced with AstroTurf, with VISAR bearing the full cost. Officials said transitioning to synthetic turf had long been identified as necessary given the site’s frequent use for community gatherings, festivals and large-scale events that put heavy strain on natural grass.
The AstroTurf has already been ordered, Pier Park said, but delivery has been delayed by shipping congestion associated with the Christmas season. Because of those shipping delays, a firm installation date has not yet been provided. In the meantime, management said interim measures are being put in place to improve the lawn’s appearance and to ensure it remains safe and usable for both residents and visitors.
Pier Park did not detail the specific temporary repairs in its statement, but emphasised the replacement remains planned and fully sponsored by VISAR. For BVI residents, the park’s prompt attention to the damaged lawn will be watched closely: the Pier Park is a central arrival and community space, and its presentation matters for local events, daily use and the first impressions of many incoming tourists.
Officials say they will continue to manage the site while awaiting delivery and installation of the new surface.
Primary source: BVI News