National Heroes Park — Attraction in undefined

Visiting Heroes Park was a delightful surprise! Located just down the street from Emancipation Park, I couldn’t resist stopping by to explore both. I’m so glad I did!

The beautifully manicured lawns and well-maintained grounds immediately caught my eye. I was genuinely touched by the stunning monuments honoring our past leaders who fought for change along with a tall white monument with the cross dedicated to the fallen Soldiers in World War I and II. It’s a heartfelt tribute that truly resonates.

While there, I took the time to visit the remains of several notable figures interred at the park, including:

• Toots Hibbert • Dennis Brown • Sir Alexander Bustamante • Marcus Garvey • Michael Manley • Norman Manley • George William Gordon • Edna Manley • Donald Sangster • Hugh Shearer • Ranny Williams • Paul Bogle • Samuel Sharpe • Lady Bustamante • Herb McKenley • Louise Bennett-Coverley • Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds • Howard and Ivy Cooke • Edward Seaga • Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd

As I exited the park, I felt a deep sense of pride and honour to have visited for the first time. I even gave a hand salute to express my appreciation! Heroes Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn about Jamaican history while enjoying the lovely...

I hadn't realised that it had so many monuments present, was what I said to myself.

I've passed Heroes Circle so many times, and I've never really given it a really good look until recently, when I just randomly stopped to walk through the park.

As stated previously, there were several large monuments present. Each monument was built in memory of an important figure in Jamaica's history, namely our national heroes. A few other figures were represented as well, like Hugh Shearer and Micheal Manley.

I think some heroes and other figures were said to be buried there as well.

The stylish looking plaques each giving you a history of each person featured. I was truly impressed with what I had seen.

It was also obvious to me that area, namely the parts with the monuments and plaques, were regularly landscaped. The grass was well cut down, and the environment was clean overall.

There was one particular plaque that gave you the history of the park itself and how it came to be.

National Heroes Park is definitely impressive. I, for one, was indeed...

The area on which the National Heroes Park now stands was once one of the most popular spots in Kingston. For 101 years, the land was the centre for horse racing in Jamaica. It was also the site for other sporting activities such as cricket and cycle racing. Being a place where people naturally gathered, the area was also the venue for travelling circuses that visited the island from time to time.

In 1818, the Kingston Council purchased the property for £985 and 10 shillings. Back then it was part of a property called Montgomery Pen. It was later known as the Kingston Race Course because of its dominant activity and remained so until 1953 when horse racing was transferred to Knutsford Park.

The site was officially renamed the National Heroes Park in 1973 and is now a permanent place for honouring our heroes whose monuments are erected in an area known as the Shrine.

Another section, reserved for prime ministers and outstanding patriots, adjoins the Shrine area,...