Belize City Council Moving to Secure 13 Park Titles

The Belize City Council is taking steps to secure legal titles to several public parks, including Memorial Park, Rock Park, Wilton Cumberbatch, and Manatee Park.

Mayor Bernard Wagner explained the importance of the effort, saying, “I have to leave here better than I found it.” He noted that for years the council managed parks without holding official titles, leaving them vulnerable to disputes.

“Many times, in some of these parks, people make claim to spaces,” he said. 

So far, about 13 titles are in the process of being secured, with more expected. The Council says this will allow for better planning and rehabilitation across the city. “It’s always in the best interest of the council that we have these public spaces legally in our hands,” Wagner said.

He explained that once the titling process is complete, the council will be in a stronger position to manage, upgrade, and maintain the parks. Formal ownership also ensures the lands remain designated for public use and are protected from unauthorised development.

The council also encourages public-private partnerships, with businesses “adopting” parks and roundabouts to help maintain and improve public spaces. For Wagner, obtaining the titles is “just to formalise” things.