A derelict piece of land has been transformed into an area which can be enjoyed by everyone as part of Government's Community Areas Programme.

The Olivebank community area, between Swansville Road and Khyber Heights Lane, in Warwick, is available for people of all ages "to gather and to play", Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said at its opening last night.

It is the fourth such spot set up under the initiative designed to make the most of Bermuda's open spaces.

"As Bermuda develops, open space is becoming more and more rare. However, the benefits of open space on the health and vibrancy of neighbourhoods have long been clear," Ms Butterfield said in a speech.

"Residents need space for active and passive recreation, but that space should not always have to be found in our public parks. We should all strive to have a place near to our homes where we can keep our children close, and where we can go to meet with friends."

Explaining the Community Areas Programme, she said: "The intent is to involve the community in identifying small vacant areas within highly developed neighbourhoods which have the potential to be improved to make them available to the community.

"Once an area has been identified, we work with the community to realise the potential of the area. We meet with the residents to see what is needed, and we develop a plan of what might be possible.

"The Olivebank community area will provide a place for the very young, the young and the not so young to gather and to play. But I hope it will also provide everyone with an area that they can call their own and be proud of.

"I am confident that the residents of this area will take pride in the Olivebank community area and protect it from vandalism and destruction."

Premier Ewart Brown, who is also MP for Warwick South Central and a candidate for next month's General Election against Roderick Simons of the Opposition, performed the opening with the Minister.

The Premier said setting up open spaces would help tackle alarming obesity rates which show Bermuda is one of the fattest countries in the world.

"This is another practical example of what we can do to make more open space available for youngsters who can run and exercise and increase their level of fitness," he told The Royal Gazette. "Obesity is a serious challenge for Bermuda and this part of the world. Nothing short of changes in diet and exercise are going to change things."