Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

Queen's Park

The city of Bridgetown, Barbados has many exciting places  which are frequented and enjoyed by locals as well as visitors to the island. From historical buildings to fountains to shopping and to add balance is an oasis of a park just outside the main city: Queen's Park.

Queen's Park is one of the national and natural attractions in Barbados. In terms of its history, the primary building on the site was actually known as King's House in the first instance. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, it served as the official residence of the Commanding Officer of the British troops, based in Barbados at that time.

The grounds are refreshing and tastefully laid out, there are benches, a concrete and stone wall that runs a considerable distance through the park and a fountain, the water of which provides music to the ears. There is also a play area with swings for the delight of the young and young at heart and washroom facilities are available.

A focal point in the Park is the bandstand. There is an annual tradition in Barbados known as "Christmas morning in the Park" and every December 25th, hundreds of people from all walks of like throng the park to mingle and to be serenaded by various artistes and bands.

The Queen's Park ground is the home ground of First Division Cricket Team, Spartan Club and is a recognized venue when the Barbados Cricket Association starts its annual cricket season in the month of May.

The Steel Shed which is at the end closest to Crumpton Street was once a venue for comedy shows and calypso tents, even smaller meetings. In need of some repair, it has not been used in recent years. Another facet of the Queen's Park is its art gallery. Periodically during the year, there are art displays and shows and many a fledging artist has had his or her debut in the Park at the gallery.

An unexpected but pleasant surprise which one is likely to encounter during a walk through Queen's Park is the Barbados Solar House which is on display only. It is a fully functional home dependent for its operations on solar energy. It is worth the look.

The upkeep of Queen's Park falls under the ambit of the Barbados National Conservation Commission (NCC). They are responsible for ensuring that it is well-maintained and attractive to the eye.

00-12