The resurrection of Jarrett Park

After years in the doldrums, life is steadily returning to the iconic Montego Bay-based ground Jarrett Park as the once go-to venue has undergone a much-needed facelift, restoring its vibrancy and bringing it back into the football spotlight.

The renovation has transformed Jarrett Park into a match-ready arena, which is fully certified by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to host Jamaica Premier League (JPL) games.

Bryan Miller, chairman of Jarrett Park Management Committee, told STAR Sports that progress has been made to refurbish the venue.

"Hurricane Melissa did extensive damage to the park. It might have been a blessing in disguise for the Jarrett Park development committee because it also did extensive damage to the Montego Bay Sports Complex which is Montego Bay United's (MBU) home field. The executive of MBU then decided that they'll strike a deal with management of the development committee to work together and bring back the park to a fitting condition where national league matches can be played," said Miller.

"All that has done is speed up Jarrett Park Management Committee's plans. To assist MBU, it is a collaborative effort with them that is taking place right now," added Miller.

MBU now use the park as their temporary home and have played their last two JPL home games there.

According to Miller the next major project involves clearing debris, refurbishing stands and replacing blown-light and advertising boards.

Currently, the management has been in discussion with a scrap metal buyer to remove what is left to be cleared out of the park.

"As it stands now, we are refurbishing two bathrooms. We had to rent portable bathrooms but we are sure that next home game in January, we might not have to rent any," said Miller.

As the life is now filled in Jarrett Park, the atmosphere around the venue is buzzing with anticipation.

Jarrett Park, historically significant in Montego Bay's football is being restored to its former glory.

Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, Mount Pleasant Academy's head coach, is a former national player who played at Jarrett Park.

After a 1-0 victory over MBU on Sunday, Whitmore said it was significant to secure a win at the historic venue.

"It is always good to play at Jarrett Park. It's a lot of memories, both playing and now coaching," said Whitmore.

Like Whitmore, Miller said Jarrett Park was once viewed like the National Stadium in Kingston.

"Every top past Montego Bay or western Jamaica footballer may not have considered themselves in the top standard of football until they managed to play in Jarrett Park," said Miller.

"For some reason it was allowed to run down but I must congratulate the present mayor of Montego Bay. He will see that the facility returns to its former glory," added Miller

The property was purchased by the St James Parish Council, now St James Municipal Corporation, in 1957, fulfilling the need for a permanent recreational venue for the residents of Montego Bay.

It has seating capacity for 4,000 people.