Dozens gathered in front of Southlands Park today to rally against proposed developments within its grounds.

Participants waved signs such as “save our parks”, “planet over profit” and “stop $elling our future” while supportive motorists honked their horns.

Ben Smith, deputy leader of the One Bermuda Alliance and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, said: “We have nothing against an entrepreneur, but there are so many other places they can put what they’re trying to do.”

A plan submitted by the Department of Lands and Buildings proposed placing a café and a parking lot at the Warwick property, which the Government acquired in 2012 and designated an amenity park five years later.

Escape from Devil’s Isle Bermuda submitted a separate application to install a series of zip-lines in the park.

Mr Smith said: “There are a lot of places that you can go if your desire is for a tourism product, but if you come to a place where it is quiet and surrounded by nature, this already does it. You don’t need anything else. Mother Nature already did it for you.”

Rally organiser Nekorrah Raynor has been overwhelmed by the support shown, saying: “The very first day I was here, I fully expected to be here by myself in the rain.

“To see so much happen and see so many Bermudians, no matter what demographic or age, come out to support is absolutely blowing me away and surprising.”

Raynor handed a petition to “immediately halt development” in the park, which garnered almost 5,600 signatures, to Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, yesterday.

Raynor said today: “I hope the Government will focus on sustainability, cultivation and preserving our very little remaining green space left. But I hope what they mostly take from this is, listen to the people.

“There has been an outpouring of support for this cause. I hope they listen to what we have to say and learn to work for us and not step over us.”

Other attendees included Myles Darrell, Bermuda National Trust head of natural heritage, and E Michael Jones, former St George mayor and town crier.

Ashley Kaye, another protester, said: “There is only 9 per cent of natural green space left, so taking away at least 1 per cent, one lung, of that green space, is harmful to the overall environment, is going to take away people who use the space for dog walking, the children’s programme and mountain biking, and is just not a good idea.”