Aldona Park

The Aldona Children's Park, once a vibrant community recreation centre,  has been lying neglected for many years. Each and every time elected representatives have promised to do the park up but have failed to deliver.

In mid-September 2005 my good friend and civil contractor, Gordon Lobo, decided to do what he could with his limited resources. He got the park weeded and cleaned up for a start. Other locals chipped and paint was purchased. A painting contractor from Aldona, Thomas Tavares, gave his workers and tools free for painting the park. A Dubai based Aldonkar, Cajetan Mendonca, gave a generous donation of Rs. 5000/- when he came to know about this initiative. Local businessmen are contributing time, energy and resources. My brother Conrad Pinto, a computer graphics expert,
made a design for one wall of the park and also a simulation of how it would look in two years if it was not maintained. Mark D'Souza, the popular and talented art teacher from the St. Thomas Boys High School has volunteered to coordinate the painting of that wall.

On 26th October 2005 young children from Aldona will converge at the park they will be provided with paints and brushes and will paint the wall themselves. Volunteers most welcome.

We are sick and tired of waiting for the Government to spruce up the Aldona Children's Park. We will do it ourselves. For our children and their children.
 

Dear Aldona Netters

Gordon Lobo and his enthusiastic supporters are organising a Colour Workshop for children at the Aldona Park on 26th October 2005 from 9.00 a.m. The aim is to get the children to " express their creativity " and decorate / paint the park in this festive season. All children are welcome. More the merrier. Please give your names at Synopsis Libarary at the Parish Centre so that necessary
arrangements can be made.

Children please come in casual clothes including caps to PAINT YOUR PARKRED/GREEN/ BLUE .......... Paints and brushes will be provided by the organisers. If you could bring your own small buckets/tins it would help. Come on Aldonkars let's encourage Gordon and his team . If you can make it that day in the morning ,do so or maybe we can visit the Park in the evening and see your children's creations.
Regards
Savio
Aldona Children's Park

I read with interest the enthusiasm in doing the park and improving its facilites. The approach would be more constructive if a committee took over the management of the park, and opened a bank account so that it could received contributions which would help to maintain the park on a permanent basis. The park needs daily sweeping and there has to be a rubbish bin to allow children and adults alike to dispose of their garbage.

The sea-saw and the swings are unsafe and outdated and these have to be modified. the sand under the swing and the sea-saw has to be at least 500mm in the ground for safety or else if a child falls can fracture a limb very easily. There has also got to be some seating accomodation.

Everyone must be aware that the park is the property of the Fabrica and expecting the government to repair is just not fair. Concluding, I would like to stress that once a bank account is opened we can not only donate but also arrange for donations from other core villagers like myself who although far are too happy to contribute to the welfare of the village.

Tom de Sousa in Hong Kong
 

 Dear Aldona Netters

I am pleased to inform you Mr Gordon Lobo of Naikawaddo hads taken the initiative to improve the park near the Parish Centre. Mr Cajetan Mendonca has graciously given a donation of Rs.5000 to this end. Some other Aldonkars are chipping in and I will revert with their names when I get the details.

I request Aldona Netters to spread the good word around and encourage parents to bring their children to the park so that the people who are taking the trouble to improve it can see their good work being put to good use.

Besides the normal park accessories Gordon intends making a big black board on whickh kids can draw and write. There will also be something for senior citizens.
Kudos to Gordon and those who are helping him

Regards
Savio
 

Great going , Savio. May more Aldonkars chip in to help...and to use the park for their kids. I hope we can do something similar in the other villages and towns, too. In Mhapsa and Vasco for sure, after the MMC elections.
Viva Goa.
Miguel Braganza


(Info extracts from Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter and Aldona-Net archives)

 Page designed by Ulysses Menezes

Info collection: Gaspar Almeida

Pictures obtained through: Cecil Pinto

To find out how you can assist in the Aldona Park Project, email cecilpinto@gmail.com

 

Photos courtesy:
Cecil, Beatrice, Gordon and Flavia - all using Gordon's camera!