New parks give Ajman a breather

Al Safia park in Mushairif is one of the three new parks in Ajman that will be thrown open to visitors soon. Satish Kumar / The National

AJMAN // The opening of three new parks in Ajman will add much-needed green space to the smallest emirate in the UAE and encourage residents to lead a healthier life, officials at the municipality have said.

The number of people suffering from diabetes, obesity and other serious health conditions has increased nationwide with the rise in number of new buildings, said Ahmed Saif Al Muhiri, director of Public Parks and Horticulture, adding that building parks and open spaces for families was a priority.

“[This is] the main focus of Ajman government’s strategy to maintain and achieve a sustainable environment. So we provide environmental and recreational space and clean air.”

People living in the Al Jurf area will be able to enjoy Flag Park, which will feature a 122-metre UAE flag.

“The space of the park is 2,100 square metres and we have completed 100 per cent of the construction and now we are working on landscaping and setting up chairs and umbrellas.

“In addition, there are restaurants. The park will be opened after three months, maybe in March,” said Mr Al Muhiri.

Al Safia park in Mushairif, overlooking the creek, will be spread over 129,000 square metres, with 200 parking spaces, 12 bathrooms, a play zone for children, barbecue area, a 1,800-metre running track, 500 palm trees and bicycles for hire.

“Palm trees were selected by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler of Ajman, because it is the local tree and provides shade for visitors.”

The director said work was 80 per cent complete.

The third park is planned for Masfout. This will be the area’s first park and has been designed to resemble the rugged landscape of this part of Ajman.

“The mountainous nature of the Masfout area is available in the park. There will be high and low areas,” said Mr Al Muhiri. “We started working on it a year ago and because it is a difficult terrain, because of the rocks, it needs much work.

“It is difficult, but we will succeed and now 70 per cent has been completed. We finished the construction of buildings, gates and fences and we will now start landscaping.”

Residents are excited about the new parks and expect them to be popular among families and fitness enthusiasts.

Saeed Hassan Ali, a 30-year-old Emirati serving in the Armed Forces, said he planned to visit Flag Park that is close to his home for a jog and take his children to enjoy the open spaces, and also to grab a cup of coffee.

“It is nice that they have built a park for families and kids. When it will be opened, I will go there with my family and kids to spend some time together,” said Mr Ali.

Emirati student Sultan Ali said opening the new parks would mean he no longer had to travel to other emirates.

“This park [Flag Park] is located close to houses. It was necessary to have one here for children, families and sports enthusiasts. Earlier, if we wanted to go to a park, we had to go very far.”

The 22-year-old also believes having the highest UAE flag in Ajman in the centre of the park would help to attract tourists to the emirate.

Mushairif resident Fatima Abdullah said she was looking forward to playing with her friends at Al Safia park, especially on women-only days.

“It is a place for gathering families and have some sporting activity,” she said. “Since the park is exclusively for women and families, we will have privacy.”