The facilities, which officially opened recently, comprise a monkey bar, two see-saws, a swing set and old tyres which children can run through.

Project coordinator and culture agent at the school, Althea Green, said the play area was inspired by the performance of the Jamaican athletes at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Principal Herman Grant appealed to the students to protect the park because they shared responsibility in its ownership.

Environmental care

"Our society is not very friendly when it comes to the environment, and so we are trying to create in our boys and girls a habit of good environmental care, utilising play, and also infusing learning with play," Grant said.

Deputy head girl, Sandi-Kay Richards, said the park was an excellent idea.

"It helps the children to learn. There are words on tyres that, while at play, students could practise spelling these words so that if and when they get a spelling test they will be able to remember the words," she noted.