Construction of Aruba Linear Park to Begin

[Arubalisa]

Construction of Aruba Linear Park to Begin

http://www.aruba.com/news/general-ne...park-to-begin/
January 18th, 20


"The Aruba Linear Park is scheduled to commence construction this week with Ministers Oduber and Sevinger kicking off this milestone. It is poised to become the largest one of its kind in the Caribbean with a total length of ten miles, extending from the Reina Beatrix Airport to Arashi Beach beyond the Marriott Resort. Because of the millions of Aruban florins that this will cost, the government has decided to build it in phases. The first phase will extend from the Las Americas Rotonde (traffic circle) near the Cas di Cultura up to Wilhelmina Park near Renaissance Marketplace, with a price tag of 4.8 million Aruban florins.

The major portion of the funds for this project will be available from the Tourism Product Enhancement Fund (TPEF), generated partially from hotel room tax receipts.

As of this week, residents and visitors alike will begin to see the changes taking place along beaches in the area. The intention is to create breathtaking areas with open ocean-view spaces and adequate space for activities.

The Linear Park will include a cycling path, walking path, adequate lighting, sheltered areas, parking spaces, public bathrooms, kiosks and sufficient space for organizing different activities, replete with lovely trees.

Careful attention will be given in construction plans to the preservation of beaches and white sand. This ambitious project will positively impact the quality of life of the local population, the tourism product, and the environment. The first phase is expected to be completed within six months.

Story courtesy of The Morning News"

The "Rotonde" is the one adjacent to Talk of the Town and Wilhelmina Park is just to the south of the Renaissance Ocean Suites.

[Andrea J.]

it WILL be beautiful.

[final4]

Can't wait!!

[Arubalisa]

It will be a nice enhancement for Aruba's cruise passengers in Oranjestad.. Bonaire has something on a much smaller scale along the waterfront in Kralendijk. We enjoyed walking after coming off our cruise ship. Full disclosure...we were looking for Amstel Bright and found it at Karels up on the northern end of the walkway.

[Eagle Beach Boy]

I hope they do not change the beach area too much. We enjoy sitting there for quite change of pace.

[cindyo]

What a SUPER idea, love it !

[danadog56]

looks like it will really make a beautiful addition to that area......and may pull trade back into the downtown area...

[TomFrederick]

Is there a map showing where they plan to built this through areas like the Tam, Divi, CDM, ABC, ....... Now Eagle Beach has open space but where will it run through/around the Resorts.

[Arubalisa]

http://www.aruba.com/news/general-ne...-september-30/

All those passing by the site of the Linear Park can admire the progress in the construction work. Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Otmar Oduber expressed his satisfaction with the latest park developments which will contribute to the enhancement of Aruban landscape.

Last Thursday, palm trees were planted, growing higher everyday to provide shade. Soon, other plants will also grace the park, among them green malaya, date palm, Chinese palm, Fofoti, Carawara and Green Bottom, providing a pleasant oasis on the highway. Next week, street lamps will be installed, giving citizens a good idea of how the park will look when Phase I is finished.

According to the contractor, the first phase of Linear Park, consisting of a square and two parks, will be finished on September 30 and construction work will begin on Phase II, which is the remainder of the trajectory up to the Government offices.

Minister Oduber meets weekly with a group of labo*rers involved with the project to ensure everything goes according to schedule. The aim is to finish before the visit of Her Royal Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, her son Crown Prince Willem Alexander and his wife, Princess Maxima, as a visit to the Linear Park by the Royal family is on the schedule of activities.

There was a delay in the construction work during the first months, due to problems with utilities, plumbing system, water and electricity cables and some changes that SETAR N.V. had to perform. This is because the area has not received any upgrading work for at least 40 years, and some parts, 60 years.

The groundbreaking took place in February and it was the intention to finish within 7 months. Taking into account the delays, Minister Oduber feels that the work is progressing well. “When the work on the Linear Park is finished, it will be an important center of attraction, not only for our visitors but also for island residents to enjoy some exercise and recreational hours,” states Minister Oduber.

Story courtesy of The Morning News

[Andrea J.]

it will be nice.
we went by it at least 15 times over the last few weeks.
i cannot imagine it being ready in 28 days!
but, i have been wrong once or twice before ;-)