of park -- residents By Tim Greenfield Hamilton park lovers fear their peace would be shattered if plans for a Millennium entrance are given the go-ahead.

Hamilton workers and residents believe the idea, put forward by the Millennium Committee, will ruin the tranquillity of Par-La-Ville Park -- a haven of lunchtime calm.

Plans put forward include building a $1.5 million fountain feature, amphitheatre, plaza and "virtual reality'' electronic wall -- whilst demolishing and relocating the existing toilets.

Millennium Committee chairman Jay Bluck said he believed the scheme would create a pleasant entrance to the park and would add to the peaceful atmosphere for more people.

Speaking as he outlined some of the other activities that the committee is aiming to support in celebration of the new century, he said the park would be a better place after the work, if permission was granted.

He said the project, which is due for completion early in 2001, would enhance the area with landscaping and improve the environment by removing the toilet block to Front Street.

"We hope it will be even more contemplative than before,'' said Mr. Bluck.

"We are not anticipating a whole lot of partying. It will be a very pleasant place to sit.

"It will be a lead-in, a meeting place where people will go into the park for peace and quiet.'' But already more than 30 people have objected to the scheme, pleading for it to remain untouched.

Mary Sumpter, of Flatts, said she was concerned that the developments were completely over the top and were simply not suited to the city centre oasis.

"The toilet area does need some sort of improvement but it sounds like they have gone completely overboard,'' she said.

"We feel we need a quiet place to go, not another place with things going on -- there are other venues for that.'' Mrs. Sumpter, who, like many others, spends her lunchtime in the gardens, is also concerned that concrete will be poured in, in place of the existing greenery.

Another objector, Diana Hines, complained to the Department of Planning that it would turn the entrance into "another tourist attraction'' at the expense of locals.

And Anita Simons stated to the Development Application Board: "Par-La-Ville Park is an old Bermuda garden and should not be in any form vilified.'' She added: "Progress is a fact of life, but I think it is totally abhorrent that this lovely park should be filled with concrete in any shape or form.'' The plans include a curved seating area around a fountain, Grecian-style columns, pergola and the commemorative "virtual reality'' wall.

No trees are to be touched but the entire restroom block will be knocked down and a new facility built at the No.1 Shed on Front Street. The wall will feature touch-screens, revealing Bermudian role models.

A report accompanying the plans stated: "...it will provide a multi-use space for relaxing, resting, playing, meeting and performing''.

Mr. Bluck moved to reassure park goers. He said the area would promote quiet and entertainment would feature nothing more noisy than a string quartet or guitarist.

The plans are still in the early stages and will not go before the DAB for several weeks.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said they had looked at the plans, which he said he believed will greatly add to the heart of the city, very carefully.

"We are aware of how important the park is to the city,'' Mr. Sherratt said.

"The main section is a little bit away from where it will be.

"People will still be able to enjoy peace and tranquillity without being affected by the fountain.'' Meanwhile, the Millennium Committee is working on several other ideas to celebrate 2000.

A six-part TV series, featuring Bermudian history from 1500 up to the present day, is nearly complete and will be aired next year. Copies will be given to each school to aid teaching.

Original music has been commissioned, to be performed by a youth orchestra next May during a showcase for young Bermudian talent.

In addition, the committee -- which was given a $1 million boost by the Government -- is helping support other groups to raise cash, in particular Sail 2000.

They are also keen to here from members of the public in compiling tributes to people who have made contributions to Bermuda life.

"We are hoping they will submit information about someone they feel is worthy of recognition, it could be a nurse or farmer -- anybody,'' said Mr. Bluck.

Roger Sherratt