Welcome
The Barbados Boardwalk went ahead amid much debate and some controversy. Not all were in favour.
Many of the private homes along the boardwalk were opposed to having a thoroughfare in front of their sea view. Environmentalist and concerned citizens called for better studies of its effect on habitat, reefs and beaches. Many changes were made including making it a few hundred yards shorter, stopping at Camelot rather that Coconut Court hotel. The original plan called for long groins projected out into the sea. A Canadian ocean engineer advised this would build some beaches at the expense of others. More and smaller structures would be far superior, he said. The final design settled on several artificial reefs, a more natural look, providing better protection.
The end result is admired by Bajans and visitors who enjoy the new walk by the ocean. It is the first Barbados Boardwalk by the sea, complete with panoramas, seats and retreats. All ages and abilities use it. There are joggers, fast walkers, strollers, talkers and quiet people, wheelchairs, blind people, seniors, teenagers and babies in prams. The ambiance is friendly and respectful. Blending with the natural beauty, it is a solid structure set deep into the sand and bolstered with granite rocks. It looks like it is here to stay!
Progress Continues...
The bulldozers are still active on the peripheral of the boardwalk, in January 2009.
They sit poised to move rocks, fill planters and back fill where the sea was reclaimed and the walkway is now higher than the land. A vacant lot that was once the Ocean View hotel will take several truck loads of fill.
Northern Entrance
The northern entrance is a sand dune still, it will be smoothed and landscaped shortly. They are building a large beach here, much to the delight of the residents along the boardwalk.
Many who were originally opposed to the project now agree that it is impressive, better because of considered community input.
Once you slide down the soft sand at Camelot, you are right next to the Boardwalk. Camelot is an original home, much refurbished by a leading architect, in his unique design and finishes inspired by the Barbados Chattel House.
Planting Shrubs
Planting along the wall at the South Ocean condos is new. Hardy shrubs grow quickly in the Barbados tropical climate. In a month or two the wall will be barely visible.
Some might like
South Ocean Condos to be invisible behind the wall of plants, but by special permission, it's higher than the coconut trees. It used to be that all buildings in Barbados were shorter than the tallest coconut tree.
Private Homes
Past South Ocean are a couple of private homes. Most are owner occupied and they too had misgivings and some still worry about the crowds.
Few can fault the work and the construction. The boardwalk has enhanced many a property with more beaches and greater water access.
Walkway on the Patio!
It might be a bit too close for some who say they are not private anymore!
But most Bajans are very friendly and like company - still a walkway on my patio?, I don't think so. Good for people watching, better for serving hamburgers.
Heritage House
A heritage house sits behind this wall. It is now a business, where Trivial Pursuit launched its off shore and international sales office.
The old wall still stands protecting the heritage home: a sculpture in coral stone, brick, concrete and mortar, aged by nature, and growing things.
A Fresco of Creams and Grays
It is a fresco of subtle creams and grays, textured and patched with pink and green. Many hands have made this piece of art.
It cannot be replaced with a more modern structure. It is protected by the Barbados National Trust and must be repaired in keeping with its look and heritage: a mixed bag of brick, coral stone, granite, motor and cement.
Painted and bare, eroded and rustic - an original!
Iron Bars
Iron bars set in thick stone:
A secure shed under a bougainvillea roof,
perhaps a pantry? - Not so.
For an infamous time in its varied history, this was a slave holding area.
Along The Way
The boardwalk stretches 1.6 km between Camelot and the famous Barbados Accra beach.
It takes you past history - wind, sand, sea and salt.
Past restaurants, hotels, beach bars and places to sit and stare.
Waves, wind and chatter, humming as you go.
People smile and share.
Jetties
Past jetties build into the sea, cool and invigorating in a strong wind.
Hastings Rocks
Past new sandy beaches leading to the old police band stand at the Hastings Rocks. The Barbados police band, which has published several excellent CDs, still plays music here on occasions. Hastings Rocks is also a favourite venue for fairs and get togethers.
Massive concrete blocks hold the hard wood walkway. Below them and under the sand granite boulders from Canada secure the footing.
Built to withstand a hurricane, this walkway is meant to last.
Trees and Plants
Past trees preserved and some added, planters made with coral stone and filled with earth, edging sand.
Beaches, Sea and Reefs
Past beaches, sea and inshore reefs. Past tidal pools in the low tide.
Past school children skiping rocks in their seaside playground
And restrooms for your convenience.
Places to Stop
Past places
to stop, to sit and stare,
to feel the cool sea spray,
like a tonic on your face.
Hotels and Restaurants
Past hotels
and gourmet restaurants,
and many more to come!
Fine Dining!
The old Aqua restaurant faced directly onto a rocky waterfront. With a high sea it was not possible to sit outside along the water edge. Waves breaking on the rocks would often spray right into your plate.
The new boardwalk allows the tables to be permanently on the patio; the European style of pavement dining.
Still got some energy left?
Good because there's lots more to see!
Next is the Aqua Restaurant to KFC route
- with a fisherman and his dog, inshore pools and reefs and the main Boardwalk Promenade! Let's go!
Then we'll hit the skip ahead to Accra Beach and, with the sun at our backs, make our way back to KFC! Jump ahead!