First Lady Commissions Zia’s Play Park at Leonora
June 21 2025
First Lady Arya Ali on Friday officially commissioned Zia’s Play Park, a new recreational facility located in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, developed under the National Beautification Project.
The initiative was made possible through collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana.
The park features play equipment for children, a gazebo, seating areas, washroom facilities, lighting, and fruit trees, and is expected to serve as a vital community hub for several surrounding villages. It offers residents a safe and scenic space for recreation, relaxation, and social engagement.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, First Lady Arya Ali reminded attendees that true development is not only about infrastructure but also about enhancing the overall quality of life. “Each time we open a new park or public space, it reminds us that apart from roads, bridges, and big buildings, development is also about creating spaces where our children and people can relax, feel safe, and enjoy a better quality of life,” she said.
The National Beautification Project has already seen the transformation of nine public spaces across Guyana, with eight more currently under development. According to the First Lady, these spaces promote environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and healthier lifestyles.
She urged residents to take pride in the new facility and to protect it from vandalism. “Please take care of it. Guard against vandalism and destruction… We want our children to continue to enjoy these amenities,” she emphasized.
Also addressing the gathering was Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Yang Yang, who highlighted the strong and friendly relations between Guyana and China. She reaffirmed China’s support for Guyana’s development through various joint initiatives, including Zia’s Play Park.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar, and Region Three Chairman Mr. Inshan Ayube also delivered remarks, noting the ongoing transformation and rapid development within the region.
The new park adds to the growing number of community-focused projects aimed at making development feel personal, accessible, and meaningful for all Guyanese.
