Despite strong winds and rain, Minister of the Environment Neletha Butterfield opened a new park on North Shore on Monday.

The Community Area at Ladies Chambers was opened after almost two years of planning.

The park, right across the street from West Pembroke Primary School, was designed by Community Areas Park Consultant Judith Mills-Welch.

In her speech, Ms Butterfield said: "It has been said that Bermuda is becoming an 'Island City'.

"As we continue to develop the Island, there are less and less open spaces for people to enjoy for recreation and relaxation which is so important for our physical and mental health.

"To combat this lack of community recreation space, the Government decided to take action, to make a real difference in the lives of people in communities across the Island".

The Minister explained this was the third in a series of community areas to be opened across the Island as a part of the Government's community regeneration programme which was mentioned in the Throne Speech in 2003.

The areas that have already been opened include William F. Wilson Park, St. Monica's Road in Pembroke and Harlem Heights Community Area in Hamilton Parish.

Olivebank Community Park in Warwick will be opened next Monday evening.

Ms Butterfield also said the Government's plan is to convert unused Government-owed land into community areas for relaxation and recreation.

In addition to the new park, there are several new initiatives Islandwide that the Ministry of Environment will be working on.

They include Purvis Primary School in Warwick, Pig's Field in Pembroke, also known as the home of North Village, Alexandria Road and Prospect Road in Devonshire, Mullet Bay Park, Ferry Reach Park, Alexander Battery and Grenadier Lane Beach in St. George's and a new playground at Boaz Island Condominium Corporation.

In addition to the speech, West Pembroke Primary School Choir sang two selections, 'Hail to Bermuda' and 'The Potter Song'.

In attendance were former premier Jennifer Smith, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief, Mrs. Mills-Welch and residents of the area.