advantage of the opening of the revamped Parson's Road park.

Premier Jennifer Smith and Victor Scott Primary School head boy and head girl Damian Pitcher and Jay-Tremay Smith Young assisted Ms Smith in cutting the ribbon to officially open the new Government-run park.

It replaces the former Pembroke Parish Council run park and is the first playground that is totally wheelchair accessible.

Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said the new park had already brought people together and added he was proud of the crews that had worked on it.

Ms Smith said she sympathised with area residents who had waited a long time for the park, just as her party had waited for a long time to form the government.

She added: "It is now up to you to see that it is kept in as good a condition as it can be.'' Ms Smith thanked all of the contractors and Works and Engineering and Parks ministries staff in their hard work in revamping the old run-down park.

And speaking to a gaggle of Victor Scott students itching to dispense with formality, she said: "You all look happy! Are you ready to go out on the new equipment?'' The park has a set of playground equipment for one to five-year-olds and another for five to 12-year-olds.

The work included improving the junction of Parson's Road and Glebe Road and building laybys and sidewalks.

Acting Parks Director Candy Foggo said she visited the park recently and noted a senior citizen was acting as an unofficial park warden.

She agreed with Ms Smith that the community would have to care for the park, which had become run down in the 25 years since it first opened.

Chairman of the National Parks Commission Eric Clee said he was "absolutely delighted'' with the park.

"It going to be just wonderful for the area,'' he added: "It is about twice the size as the one before.''