Monrovia – Less than three years after it was dedicated with much fanfare, the US$7 million PHP Recreation Park in Monrovia has fallen into a state of disrepair, raising public safety concerns ahead of Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations, when thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the facility.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh
[email protected]
The recreational complex, officially dedicated by former President George Manneh Weah on December 23, 2023, was constructed with funding from the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The park features a gymnasium, two football fields, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, a women’s kickball field, a café, a children’s playground, and an administrative building.
However, a FrontPage Africa inspection found that much of the infrastructure has deteriorated, with several facilities now posing potential dangers to the public—particularly children expected to use the playground during the Independence Day festivities.
Situated along the Atlantic coastline, the park has suffered extensive corrosion from prolonged exposure to saltwater and sea breeze. Rusted metal structures, damaged walkways, broken lighting systems, worn playing surfaces, and deteriorating playground equipment have transformed what was once hailed as one of Monrovia’s premier recreational facilities into a site showing clear signs of neglect.
Several corroded metal coverings and exposed iron bars have become serious safety hazards, increasing the risk of injury for visitors.
FrontPage Africa contacted the park’s management for comment but received no response before publication.
A security officer assigned to the facility, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said maintaining public safety has become increasingly difficult as the park’s condition continues to worsen.
“You see the lights, the iron near the sea and all around the park—they have all been eaten up by the sea breeze,” the officer said.
According to the officer, security personnel now spend much of their time warning visitors to avoid hazardous areas instead of simply securing the entrance and monitoring the premises.
“The damaged walkways and rusted structures are dangerous. We have to constantly watch people, especially children, to make sure they don’t get hurt,” the officer added.
The deteriorating condition of the park has renewed concerns about the maintenance of one of Liberia’s most significant public recreational investments, particularly at a time when large crowds are expected to gather in Monrovia to mark the country’s Independence Day.
A Landmark Project
Former President George Weah broke ground for the then-proposed PHP Unity Sports Park on August 5, 2021, describing the project as part of his broader vision to improve the well-being of Liberians through modern recreational infrastructure.
“Today has brought me yet another opportunity to realize my dreams and aspirations for the happiness and well-being of our citizens,” Weah said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
He explained that the project stemmed from discussions with the Government of the United Arab Emirates during his 2019 state visit, when he sought support for infrastructure development in Liberia.
According to Weah, the vision was to build a world-class sports and recreational complex in the historic PHP Community, an area long recognized for producing talented athletes and symbolizing peace and unity.
Although construction was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and procurement challenges, Weah said the project was financed almost entirely by the UAE Government through the Abu Dhabi Fund.
Today, however, the once-celebrated facility stands as a stark reminder that building public infrastructure is only part of the challenge. Without sustained maintenance and investment, even landmark projects can quickly deteriorate—raising questions about long-term asset management and public safety as Liberia prepares to celebrate another Independence Day.
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