Grenada's Underwater Sculpture Park

(Dive Travel Business News - December 8, 2010) -- Since its inception in 2006, Grenada's Underwater Sculpture Park has received international acclaim, captivating locals and visitors alike as a unique art installation. Located in clear, shallow water and dappled by sunlight, the Park's sculptures can be readily viewed by snorkelers, divers and passengers in glass-bottomed boats.

The 65 sculptures currently placed in the park are nestled within the topography of the coral reef at Molinere Bay within Grenada's National Marine Protected Area. The sculptures and reef have created the foundation for a diverse marine eco-system whose residents include seahorses, lobsters, octopus, a myriad of fish and a seasonal display of huge shoals of silvery jacks.

Just two miles north of the capital, St. George's, the site at Molinere Bay is normally sheltered and peaceful. But this area had suffered storm damage in preceding years and it was hoped that placing these sculptures would offer a new base on which marine life could proliferate and create an exciting new underwater experience for divers and snorkelers.

The Park has proven to be a highly successful project with the added benefit of considerably alleviating environmental pressure on other frequently visited reefs in the vicinity. The original sculptures by British Sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, encapsulate Grenada's colourful history and folklore. Fashioned predominantly from simple substrate including concrete and rebar, they create an artificial reef offering an ideal environment for colonization by fish, corals and sponges.

Many of the underwater sculptures were damaged by a storm in 2008. Phil Saye, owner of Dive Grenada, removed some pieces that were damaged and dug up those buried by sand. Saye is now leading a local action group that is spearheading the regeneration and future development of the sculpture park.

Committed to the Park's ongoing maintenance and development, the group systematically manages existing pieces as they are naturally degraded by natural forces including sea surge, wave action and currents, and in some cases reclaimed, by the evolving reef. While there is ongoing work to maintain existing sculptures, the group is working to place new sculptures, embracing local talent, ideas and expertise to ensure the Park continues to develop as a popular tourist attraction in Grenada.

The latest sculpture placed in March 2010, "The Silent Cry", is the first of a series of seven planned sculptures by local sculptor Rene Froelich and local crafsman Buju. At seven feet tall, it is fashioned from stainless steel and specialized marine-resistant concrete. The sculpture represents the organic root system of the giant trees of the Grenadian rainforest. Further projects in progress include a fascinating series of sculptures based on the exquisite Amerindian petroglyphs found around Grenada.

For more information about diving Grenada's Underwater Park visit www.divegrenada.com

DTBN Contributing Writer - Helen Raithby Original article first appeared in Blue (Caribbean). Reproduced with permission by the author.

ABOUT DIVE GRENADA: Dive Grenada is a PADI 5 Star and BSAC Resort Centre providing a personal and flexible service in scuba diving, dive training and snorkeling. The dive centre is centrally located on Grand Anse Beach with access to Grenada's 30+ dive sites that are minutes away by custom dive boat. Divers will enjoy wreck sites including the infamous Bianca C 'Titanic of the Caribbean', a variety of stunning reefs, exhilarating drift dives and the unique Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park. Dive & Stay packages are available through Dive Grenada and its hotel partner, the award-winning Flamboyant Hotel. Visit www.divegrenada.com/special.htm

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