Ministry Invites Public Feedback On Southlands
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is inviting the public to share feedback on the Southlands Park Draft Management Plan.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has today launched a public consultation on the Southlands Park Draft Management Plan, inviting residents to share their views and provide feedback to help guide the future of one of Bermuda’s most cherished green spaces.
“Southlands Park in Warwick, comprising 37 acres of woodland, gardens, coastline, and historic buildings, is a well-used and valued site for recreation and relaxation.
“The Government is seeking meaningful input from residents on how Southlands should be preserved, improved, and managed moving forward.
360° view of some of the Southlands Park
“The draft management plan outlines a phased approach to restoring and maintaining the park. Proposed measures include ecological conservation, improved public access, educational programming, careful enhancement of amenities, and the restoration or adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
“The document also identifies zones within the park that could support community gardens, nature trails, a visitor’s centre, or spaces for low-impact public events. However, no final decisions will be made until public input is received.
“Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and submit their views online at forum.gov.bm. Feedback must be submitted no later than Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
“For those without internet access, a space has been set up at the Department of Parks to review the plan and provide written submissions in person. Members of the public may visit the Department of Parks, located at Global House, Ground Floor, 43 Church Street, Hamilton, between 9:00am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.”
Minister of Public Works and Environment Jache Adams said, “I understand that the idea of enhancements at Southlands Park is a matter of concern to some residents.
“This is a space many Bermudians care deeply about, and rightfully so. My aim is to listen carefully to residents’ views and ensure we chart a path forward together.
“While enhancing this one park remains a complex issue, it is important to consider the broader context. This Government continues to take active steps to preserve open space across Bermuda, including protecting other sites through conservation zoning and environmental stewardship.
“I believe we can achieve a balance—preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of Southlands while finding thoughtful ways to enhance public access and education.”
The Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring Southlands remains a tranquil and ecologically sensitive space for all to enjoy. Residents’ voices are a critical part of that process.
“For more information and to read the full draft management plan, visit forum.gov.bm.”
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“The Government is seeking meaningful input from residents on how Southlands should be preserved, improved, and managed moving forward.”
Here is my “public input”. Preserve Southlands. Do NOT commercialise it. Do not allow restaurants or zip lines or hotels to be built on it. Do not sell anther valuable part of Bermuda. Retain it in its natural beauty.
hahaha… this makes me think of a company I heard about who put a vote to the staff about bringing spouses to the Christmas party. Three times they went to the staff who said, three times, that yes, they wanted spouses to come to the Christmas party… before they settled on the decision not to have spouses come to the Christmas party.
Does Government really want to hear what the public thinks about activities in Southlands? I think a prior consultation indicated that generally they did not want commercialization in the park. Yes, there will be activities that are suitable for the Park… a park… and there will be activities that are not suitable.
What is the vision for our public Parks?
Well, Kim, we already have one public park that charges admission to enter.
I would not be surprised if that was “the vision for our public Parks”.
Which park charges admission to enter?
I assume he means Horseshoe Bay Beach.
They have taken up over half of the beach with chairs just above the high tide mark and no one can go in that area unless they pay . A public beach and what did Burch say when locals were complaining ” Find another beach “!
The last group that ran the concession had to wait until the chairs , umbrella etc were rented before they found a spot for them in between everyone else.
No. I mean Fort St. Catherine. It is a public park.
It’s very simple – leave it alone, and as is. Southlands was swapped for Morgan’s Point. That is the area to concentrate on and continue to develop (but not by Government who is incompetent).
Just make it a nice park with trails. Why is this so hard to do?
I put a great deal of thought and spent alot of time answering the first survey on how to use Southlands.
Looks like the PLP ignored everyone who gave time on that one.
No, I am not doing it again. Go find the original suggestions.Nobody wanted a zipline.
Look up at what Kim Smith posted. It appears you two are on the same page.
EXACTLY!
LEAVE SPOUTHLANDS ALONE – DO NOT COMMERCIALISE IT YOU ARE DESTROYING WHAT LITTLE WE HAVE LEFT OF GREEN SPACES. PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR PEOPLE ARE TELLING YOU. YOU KEEP ASKING FOR PUBLIC FEEDABCK AND YOU ARE NOT LISTENING. SOUTHLANDS DOES NOT NEED PUBLIC EVENTS(low impact public events? I can hear the loud music disturbing the nature and the peace) NO ZIP LINE. NO NOTHING. LEAVE THE TREES AND THE PATHS AND THE NATURE ALONE. WHY DO WE NEED TO MESS WITH EVERYTHING. and YES I AM SHOUTING
Here, here!
HA! We are closer to being on the same line of that page than you know.