THE Speyside Hard Court has been upgraded for $570,000.
The court was officially commissioned on Sunday and form part of the Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport’s ongoing Facilities Rehabilitation Programme, a media release from the Division on Monday stated.
Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary and area representative Farley Augustine said the court was getting more than an upgrade but a much higher standard that what it was before.
He congratulated the Division on another project delivered and thanked Speyside residents for their patience.
Augustine spoke about additional work happening at the adjacent recreation ground, where a cricket pitch was being developed and improvements were being made to the pavilion.
Measures will also be put in place to address drainage at the grounds.
The Chief Secretary assured other communities that similar efforts will be made to enhance facilities across the island.
Augustine also issued a call for the refurbished facilities to be fully utilised through an intentional prioritisation of outdoor play among children.
“You have to find time parents to bring your children outside and have them participate in physical activity. That’s why we’re making this investment. It’s good for their health. It helps young people negotiate the playground and learn to manage conflict. It allows us to improve on the natural talents that we have here in the community,” he encouraged.
Assistant Secretary Wane Clarke and President of Sideys Football Club, Ako George also spoke.
The brief ceremony concluded with the facility receiving a blessing from Pastor of Eagle’s Cathedral and President of the Speyside Village Council Reverend Rollicks Johnson.
The work was completed by a contractor from the area, CMA Painting and General Services and included a new asphalt overlay installed and painted.
The facility’s lighting kiosk was serviced and LED bulbs were installed for energy efficiency. New backboards and rings were installed.
Additionally, a new staircase was constructed to facilitate more convenient access to the court and box drains were added at the perimeter to improve drainage.
