the Parks Department.

Concerns had been raised after 155 tents caused problems during this year's holiday.

And changes to the park, including the new playground, left many believing the park would not be open to campers, next year.

The number's of tents meant sanitary facilities were overtaxed, the beach tractor could not get around and left the beach un-raked for four days and maintenance crews could not clean the area.

However the Department has announced that camping will be allowed in the shaded picnic area and the outside perimeter of the nature reserve, just north of the picnic area.

Assistant Director for Parks, Mr. Bill Cook said: "The park programme was designed to encourage family use of Bermuda's parks.

"We do not want to deter families from enjoying public parks. However we must provide safe, clean areas for public use.

"Many times decisions are based on maintaining health standards and safety requirements. Such is the case with the new Shelly Bay playground and park area.

"It is our goal to provide user friendly parkland in all areas of Bermuda, including Hamilton Parish, where we also have the new Blue Hole Park.'' Parking at Shelly Bay Park now caters for 115 cars including overflow areas.

There will be additional parking on the grass for special events and at the east end of the sports field and at Burchall Hill.