*Construction of Al Gharrafa and Umm Al Saneem parks progressing well

The construction of Al Gharrafa and Umm Al Saneem parks and development of the Rawdat Al Khail Park (Al Muntazah Park) will be completed within the fourth quarter of 2021, according to information available on the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) website.

In November 2019, Ashghal had announced that it had started work on the three projects in a move aimed at providing more space for residents to spend leisure time and engage in exercises.

The three parks will provide social, environmental and recreational benefits to the public, as well as different facilities catering to the needs of visitors of all ages with a distinct green environment.

Rawdat Al Khail Park, popularly known as Al Muntazah Park, is located on C-Ring Road. Spread over an area of 140,000sqm, it will include a green arena spread over 105,000sqm with 1,250 trees, 1,300m of pedestrian and bicycle paths and 401 car parking slots.

Located on Hayr Al Zahra Street and Waab Lebarg Street, the Umm Al Saneem Park will occupy an area of about 130,000sqm. It will feature 102,000sqm of green arena, 740 trees, 1,200m of pedestrian and bicycle lanes and 378 car parking slots.

Al Gharfafa Park, located on Umm Al Zuber Street in Al Gharrafa, is to be constructed on an area of 50,000sqm. Its highlights are a green arena of 36,000sqm, 307 trees, 650m of pedestrian and bicycle lanes and 208 car parking lots.

The "charming design" of the parks will attract visitors and tourists because of the large spaces allocated for green areas, an Ashghal official had said at the time of the announcement.

Ashghal follows a green building concept and has plans to plant trees to ensure environmental protection. The parks will have sports equipment and play areas for children of all ages, including those with special needs.

Each park will feature two children's play areas. The new design will enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of children by providing playing equipment for two different age groups, 2-5 years and 6-12 years.

The arrangements have been made by taking children with special needs into consideration and to promote children's healthy growth and development, according to Ashghal.

The parks will encourage visitors to engage in physical activities by making sport equipment available in two different areas. Besides, lanes for joggers and bicycle riders will be also available. These facilities will encourage visitors to use the parks throughout the year.

The three parks will also ensure environmental protection through implementing green building standards. Trees will be planted in line with the Qatari environment and these include wild Ghaff, Samar and Sidra. These trees will contribute to controlling the effects of winds and dust and result in reducing temperature and air pollution in the city, the authority had stressed.

There are considerable economic benefits also, as there are large yards that can be used by local companies and for community services. Kiosks and stalls can be put up there to sell products and services to visitors.