Plans are in place to open Snorkel Park as a “first-class facility” by this June.

Dennie O’Connor, co-owner of operator Beach Boys West Ltd and owner of its umbrella company Beach Boys Ltd, said that the pandemic was "a bump in the road“ in the plans for the Dockyard establishment that were announced in September 2019.

Mr O’Connor told The Royal Gazette: “We have been faced with very trying and difficult times ever since we took over Snorkel Park at the end of 2019.

“As we all know, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the tourism and hospitality industry as a whole, but has put extreme strain on Dockyard businesses with the stoppage of cruise ships.

“We are still determined to build a first-class facility that Bermuda can be proud of. We still have ambitious goals and an unwavering vision for Snorkel Park. However, it hasn't been easy since we took over the facility just months before the pandemic hit.”

Plans announced in 2019 included the creation of a beachfront fun zone that would provide a venue for Bermudian artists, entrepreneurs and business collaborations.

Mr O'Connor, who won the 2019 International Certified Tourism Ambassador Star Award, said the nightlife would have a “broad appeal” and that there would be an emphasis on safety and accessibility.

He said work had been ongoing from the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020 including $500,000 worth of new sand, structural upgrades, electrical upgrades, new appliances, new furniture and fresh paint.

He said that the team also went through a “restructuring” last year and is now comprised of Mr O’Connor, Paul Franco, and Jennifer Turini Ysseldyke, all co-owners of Beach Boys West.

Mr O’Connor added: “Co-owner Paul Franco's team at Island Home Construction did a fantastic job getting Snorkel Park up to par. Wedco also was a huge help in assisting us with a lot of grunt work.

“Unfortunately, because of lockdowns, government mandates, no cruise ships, and the overall drop in tourist arrivals, we haven't been able to fully execute our initial plans for Snorkel Park. But rest assured that this is just a bump in the road.

“We were fortunate to be able to open last year, even without cruise ships. Although we took a loss, we still wanted locals to be able to come out, enjoy themselves and make their 2020 a little brighter.

“Local support is what keeps us going and motivated to push towards another day … one day at a time, that is how we will make it through. We have plans to open in June of this year, but nothing is set in stone as the pandemic situation remains extremely fluid."

Ms Turini Ysseldyke added: "Taking over a tourism-centric business right before the pandemic, and holding on to it throughout this pandemic has been nothing short of a challenging rollercoaster ride.

“We couldn't have made it if it weren't for the assistance of Wedco which has gone above and beyond to help the businesses in Dockyard. Our team is hopeful for the future.

“We know there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I do believe our darkest days will soon be behind us, we just have to keep persevering and adapting to the ever-changing world of post-pandemic tourism."