Futsal court sparks peace in ‘Payne Land’

The completion of a futsal court in the community of Tavares Gardens, more commonly known as 'Payne Land', has not only rekindled sporting life in the volatile community but has helped calm tensions between warring factions.

Audrey Smith-Facey, who has been councillor for the area for more than 20 years, revealed that the initiative includes a host of other development within the space, which also consists of a walking trail, kiddies park and seating arrangements.

According to Smith-Facey, a former resident and a visionary for the project, the walking trail, kiddies park and seating were done in phase one last year. Phase two was the completion of the futsal court, while phase three will include an area to host parties and social activities, putting in bathroom facilities, lighting and planting trees and plants.

"I lived in Tavares Gardens when I was a child and this is where I know, Whitfield Town, Greenwich Town, Payne Avenue. Sports always played an important role growing up. Behind the (Haile Selassie high) school they played cricket and all of that.

"My brother was a track star and he used to run athletics meets there as well, but the older I got and the more I saw that there wasn't any sporting facility in the community, and I remember how I felt growing up because I had to go to Whitfield Town to play netball," Smith-Facey recalled.

She, however, always envisioned the park, where a statute of DC Tavares stands, which was generally used for gatherings and relaxation, as an ideal area to establish a social and recreation space.

"When we had community meetings we talked about sports and entertainment, as that is what we use to keep the place peaceful.

"The more I kept thinking about it, I thought why not turn that park into a health and recreation park? So we decided to seek funding to put a scrimmage field there and it is the joy of every male in the community," she stated.

According to Smith-Facey, during the construction of the facility there was tension in the community but the moment it was completed, all the different factions came together and had a big football competition on Father's Day.

"Right through they maintain the calm. I got several messages from the community saying this is the best thing that has happened to or in this community.

"We do not pay anybody to take care of it or keep it clean because everyone takes great care of it. So I am very happy that this one thing has held them together," she commented.

The councillor added that if all goes according to plan the asphalt surface could be upgraded to an astroturf in the next few months as they have a Sports Development Foundation (SDF) proposal they are currently acting on.

"We have some renovations to do to the court and we have asked the SDF to assist us again.

"Right now everyone is just focused on playing football and walking trail and exercise. The little ones and not so little use it every day since it was built.

"I drove by at 8 p.m. at night and football is being played there. I am on pre-retirement as councillor but the Father's Day competition will continue as everyone looks forward to that," she said.

Sports coordinator for the area, Devon Stephens, said the court has brought vibrancy to the youths and even surrounding communities.

He noted that the Selassie Lions basketball team is the only sports team from the community, and that internal sports activities have been integral to community life.

"There were times we had football and basketball competitions under the lights and the whole place would be blocked. I am hoping we can get back to that stage because the people are hungry for sports.

"We want to have back our sports and we are getting there slowly but surely," he said.

SDF General Manager Denzil Wilkes said though they have only played a minor role, they are pleased to aid the project.

"The KSAMC (Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation) assisted her (Smith-Facey) with most things and she reached out to us to see if we could assist with the paved portion (court) you see there, and it is something we are very happy to be a part of," Wilkes said.