Major rehabilitation of Lynch Park to begin in March

Major rehabilitation of Lynch Park, the premier playground in Portland, which has fallen into a state of disrepair, is to begin next week Monday at a cost of $45 million.

The pronouncement was made by Daryl Vaz, government minister and member of parliament for West Portland, during a visit to Buff Bay on Monday, where he met with several building contractors.

"Major rehabilitation of that sporting facility is necessary at this time. We will be doing the entire building, including the roof," disclosed Vaz. "We will also ensure that the fencing and field, along with all the things that have deteriorated over time, will be rehabilitated. Most importantly, a management structure will be in place, so that [the facility] will be properly maintained."

Lynch Park, which is fitted with flood lights, is the only one of its kind in Portland that is able to accommodate football and cricket at nights.

"This is long overdue and is welcome at this time," said Michael Thomas, a former player of past Premier League campaigners Saint Georges Sports Club, who use Lynch Park as their home ground.

Thomas added: "Several primary schools, clubs, and social groups also benefit from the use of this field. It is also the home of most social and community events which take place in the Buff Bay area, especially at nights."