The Community Spaces collaborative initiative launched exactly one year ago between the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), the Netherlands Red Cross Society and community-minded individuals is ready to be unveiled to the public, with the completion of its first community space in the district of Middle Region.

Over the past year, SMDF and the Red Cross have worked closely alongside community minded residents, community councils and businesses to create outdoor social spaces for free use by the general public. At the start of 2020, community residents were asked to share their visions for these safe outdoor spaces with the goal of building a stronger community life for all. Moreover, the spaces would, in turn, promote physical and mental well-being, and encourage social relations amongst neighbors. To that same effect, social relations encourage communities to develop trustworthy and committed relationships that result in overall societal resilience. 

The Middle Region Community Council alongside the Foundation for Catholic Education St. Maarten (SKOS), SMDF and the Red Cross invite the community to visit the first community space located next to the Sister Marie Laurence School basketball court in Middle Region. There, families can enjoy the space’s playground facility, exercise, or just sit on a bench and take in nature. 

SMDF hereby informs the general public that the remaining community spaces will be established in the following areas: Belvedere, Cay Hill at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, Cul-de-Sac, Simpsonbay, South Reward and Suckergarden.

If you would like to learn more or inquire about how you can be involved with helping create and care for these spaces, please contact SMDF at [email protected] or call 543-7711.