Ródrigo Campbell Park: Corn Island’s Green Heart and Community Heritage
Ródrigo E. J. Campbell Álvarez Park is one of the most important green and recreational spaces on the Corn Islands. Often regarded as the green heart of the island due to its abundant vegetation and open public areas, the park serves as a central meeting place for people of all ages. It is located in the South End neighbourhood and covers an area of approximately 2.76 acres.
The park was built by the Government of Nicaragua and was officially inaugurated on 30 September 2016 on land that had long been used by local residents for baseball games and for the annual celebration of Emancipation Day, giving the site historical and cultural significance within the community.
The park is named in honour of Ródrigo José Enrique Campbell Álvarez, a son of Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast, recognised for his strong commitment to education, cultural diversity, and intercultural dialogue, as well as for his service as a Nicaraguan diplomat abroad. Ródrigo was born on 13 January 1985 and passed away tragically on 30 May 2015 in Taiwan at the age of 30. His life and work left a lasting legacy of social commitment, cultural pride, and service to his country.
Designed as a space for recreation, community life, and cultural exchange, the park offers facilities that serve both residents of Corn Island and visitors. These include futsal and basketball courts, a baseball field, children’s play areas, and wide-open spaces intended for cultural, social, and recreational activities.
The park also includes a plant nursery and landscaped green areas where mainly ornamental plant species are cultivated. These spaces contribute to environmental education, promote community participation, and support the preservation and beautification of the island’s natural environment.
Beyond its recreational role, the park stands as a memorial space that honours the life and values of Ródrigo Campbell Álvarez, highlighting principles such as education, interculturality, environmental awareness, and pride in Nicaragua’s Caribbean roots.
Planting Day
Since 2018, Planting Day has been held every 13 January at the park, organised in coordination with municipal authorities and the Ródrigo Campbell Foundation. This initiative seeks to actively involve the community, particularly children and adolescents, in environmental education and plant care.
During the activity, participants learn about the park’s nursery, engage in planting and maintenance processes, and reflect on the importance of protecting green spaces and the natural environment. The initiative also strengthens community responsibility toward the park.
Planting Day began with the park’s first working team, together with Mr. Guillermo Baltodano, Mrs. Lestel Downs (R.I.P.), Mrs. Mariela Moses and other friends and members of the park and the Ródrigo Campbell Foundation. Over time, it has become an annual tradition that also commemorates the birth anniversary of Rodrigo Campbell Álvarez.
