An algae-covered pool of stagnant water flanked by overgrown hedges bursting from fractured concrete foundations is all that remains of Mariners Cove, a once-popular ocean-front resort loved by residents and visitors alike.
For the past 20 years, the eerie site has served as a stirring and constant reminder of the decimation and destruction Grand Cayman endured during the passage of Hurricane Ivan. However, Health Minister Sabrina Turner hopes to transform the location to a place of wellness and serenity.
“This will be the new home of the Prospect Community Wellness Park,” Turner said Saturday, 18 Feb.
Turner’s announcement, made during the annual Alex Panton Youth Mental Health Symposium, was met with a round of applause and cheers by the hundreds in attendance.
Speaking with Cayman Compass after the announcement, Turner said, “Members from my team were able to secure the funds and we transferred it to the Ministry of Lands, whose minister has helped to work alongside my ministry to purchase this property for the people of Cayman, but most importantly for the constituents of Prospect.”
Turner declined to provide additional details about the cost of acquiring the land and the budget for creating the wellness park.
The Compass reached out to Kim Lund, the listing agent, who could not release the actual purchase cost of the property due to ongoing contractual negotiations. However, Lund stated that the property was listed for $2.995 million.
In 2020, Lund had hoped to develop the site into a healing resort of dome-shaped bungalows. However, those plans did not materialise. No timeline for the completion of the park has been provided.
Turner stated that although the strong currents, rocky beach and jagged ironshore make the site unconducive for swimming, the anecdotal therapeutic benefits of being near the sea are highly sought by many.
“There are many times when people stop by Spotts Dock when the cruise ships are not in. We see this quite often and this new park will provide an additional space for people to take time for their own mental health and wellbeing,” said Turner.
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Hmm. Will it be green? Will anyone use it?
Will the wildlife be prioritised?
Will Mr Lund approve?
I do hope, in the planning of this park, consideration will be given to the road system and high speeding vehicles driving on that stretch of Shamrock Road. Regularly vehicles travel at 60mph. Residents in housing areas off Shamrock Road have asked for police patrols in that area to try to slow down traffic travelling from the eastern districts into George Town.
I beg the government to please buy the old Tiara Beach site so that Cayman Brackers have a place to camp and swim with their children. The swim area on the west is quite popular already and the site is well shaded. Please buy it before it is gone forever.