international businesses met at the Ducking Stool park yesterday for a tree planting ceremony to publicise and encourage different organisations' bids to restore Bermuda's parks.

KBB president Scott Kitson said the "adopt a park'' programme was launched several years ago with the intention of beautifying the Island's parks with help from sponsor companies.

He said the Ducking Stool park was the first to be improved through a joint effort by KBB, Dellwood Middle School, Centre Solutions, the Parks Department and the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson praised their efforts.

"This project represents a paradigm of what we are trying to do with sustainable development, creating partnerships between international business and the community.'' Dellwood teacher Ray Smith said students had done maintenance and cleaning at the park since September.

Centre Solutions' Paul Hellmers credited the company's effort in the adopt a park programme to Brenda Richardson, who organised its clean-up of the park four years ago.

Centre Solutions' employees will be at the park today for the annual KBB clean-up day.

Planting for the future: Dellwood Middle School student Erin Richardson shovels soil around a newly planted tree at the Ducking Stool Park yesterday.

He is watched by KBB members, Centre Solutions' representatives, Works Minister Alex Scott, Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson, pupils and teacher Ray Smith.