Less than three years after its dedication, the US$7 million PHP Recreation Park in Central Monrovia is rapidly deteriorating, raising safety concerns for the hundreds of people that regularly visit the area.
A Verity News investigation and site visit to the park found rusting metal structures, broken walkways, damaged light fixtures and worn-out playground equipment. Several facilities are showing signs of neglect, with the harsh coastal environment accelerating the damage.
The condition of the park has become a growing concern for visitors, particularly parents, who fear that children could be injured while using some of the damaged equipment.
Security officers stationed at the facility said they now spend much of their time keeping people away from unsafe areas.
“Our job is no longer just providing security. We have to constantly warn visitors not to use some of the facilities because they could be dangerous,” one officer who spoke on conduction of anonymity said.
Another officer who spoke with Verity News on condition of anonymity said the deteriorating condition of the park has made it increasingly difficult to ensure the safety of the public, especially on weekends and holidays when large crowds gather.
The PHP Recreation Park was constructed with funding from the United Arab Emirates and officially dedicated by former President George Manneh Weah in December 2023.
The project was presented as a gift to the Liberian people to promote sports, recreation and healthy living.
Situated along Monrovia’s coastline, the park features football fields, basketball and volleyball courts, a gymnasium, children’s playgrounds, a café, administrative offices and open spaces for community activities.
At the time of its opening, it was hailed as one of Liberia’s most modern public recreational facilities.
Today, however, many of those facilities are showing visible signs of wear, prompting concerns about whether enough attention has been given to routine maintenance.
Visitors who spoke to this newspaper said the park remains an important public space but needs urgent repairs before conditions worsen.
With August 24th Day, November 29, William V.S. Tubman, and the Christmas festivities expected to attract large crowds, many residents are calling on the government and the agencies responsible for managing the facility to address the damaged structures and restore the park to a safe condition.
They warn that without immediate maintenance, one of Liberia’s most significant public recreational investments could continue to deteriorate, putting visitors at risk and increasing the cost of future repairs.
