Tuesday, Mar 03, 2009

Gulf News

Sharjah: Families will soon be able to rent multi-seat pedal-powered carts as part of Sharjah Municipality's effort to promote parks.

"The family bicycles will be available by April and we expect a large response because at present adults are prohibited from cycling in all parks," said Abdullah Al Shwaikh, spokesperson for Sharjah Municipality.

The family carts can carry two to five passengers and will be rented for Dh5, Dh10 and Dh15 per hour at all parks.

The project will be carried out in several phases, according to Al Shwaikh.

The first phase will start next month in five parks: Al Majaz, Sharjah National Park, Al Gharayen (behind University City), Al Safiya, and Al Dayha.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the inauguration of Al Fayha Park yesterday.

"We are also focusing on increasing the amount of greenery in the city, and aim to have 56 parks by the end of 2009," the spokesperson said, noting that there is great demand for more parks.

He said there are 47 parks in Sharjah and 9 more will be opened this year.

They will be located at Industrial Area 7, Al Khan 2, Al Nekhailat, Al Nabba'a, Al Ramla, Al Hazana, Bu Tina, Al Subkha and Al Mirgab.

Once the parks are completed, they will average 25,000 square metres and the total will exceed 2 million square metres.

Dubai: Dh20.8m park to open

Dubai Municipality will soon open the Al Nahda 2 Park for the public as part of its celebrations of Arbour Day. The park, built at a total cost of Dh20.8 million, spreads over 14 hectares. A lake to collect groundwater has been constructed in the centre of the park, and is equipped with water pumps to operate fountains.

Ahmad Mohammad Abdul Kareem, Director of Public Parks and Agriculture at Dubai Municipality, said work on horticulture in the park is almost finished and it will shortly be open to public.

- WAM

Will this encourage people to spend more time outdoors? What other outdoor activities are needed in the UAE?

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