Church Bay National park was officially reopened by Minister of Environment, Neletha Butterfield and Minister of Works, Engineering and Housing, Sen. David Burch.

In 2003 Hurricane Fabian rendered the beach inaccessible and until recently only temporary timber steps have been in place.

After a structural assessment was conducted, because of the weak cliff face where the original access had been the new access has been positioned on the eastern flank of the beach.

This new route is not only deemed as more attractive and environmentally friendly, but safer. In addition it is better protected against a future storm surge by harder coastal rock.

Working in partnership, The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Works, Engineering & Housing removed the remains of the old access route. The area was topsoiled and planted with native and endemic coastal vegetation.

In its place a new vista point overlooking Church Bay was constructed with a series of winding timber steps and platforms that recognised the contours and habitat value of the rocky coastal habitat.

After many months of construction, landscaping and preparation Minister Butterfield was very pleased to reopen Church Bay national Park.

Sen. Burch said: "We believe that the stepped path that winds down from the viewing area to the beach is an aesthetically attractive solution for the area and this ministry prides itself in being part of such a successful project."