Castries Central MP Richard Frederick says his vision for Serenity Park extends beyond local use, hinting at international appeal. Speaking at the reopening ceremony, he said he hopes that “in the not too distant future, we might see a celebrity deciding to get married at Serenity Park”.
Frederick described Serenity Park as his “brainchild,” noting that the idea first came to him during his tenure as a government minister in 2006. He recalled starting with the Jeremie Street Plaza before moving on to the park. “It was incomplete when I demitted office in 2011, and for the last 14 years, Serenity Park did not see a coat of paint,” he said.
The MP explained that the renovations focused on creating a welcoming space for artists and community activities. “One of the things I really wanted to do was to ensure that we had a space for performing artists and creative arts,” he said. He added that adjustments such as reducing the size of the fountain were made to make the park “more inviting”.
Frederick also revealed plans for better management of the facility. “I want Serenity Park to be managed by a committee,” he said, stressing that “the bureaucracy of governance… really militates against maximising the revenue” from such an establishment.
Among the park’s special features is a space designed specifically for weddings, where couples can arrive by boat. “We are going to bring that back to life,” Frederick said. “We are going to market this place and do the best that we can.”
The MP emphasised that the park belongs to the people and should benefit both residents and visitors. “It is meant for the enjoyment of locals as well as tourists alike,” he said.
