Sharjah parks and recreation priorities

SHARJAH // New parks and recreational areas for tourists and residents have been at the forefront of developments in the emirate.

The new-look Rolla Park, revamped at a cost of Dh22 million, reopened in December last year after being closed since 2011. The 3.7 hectare park was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, on the 43rd National Day.

Listed among the emirate’s many heritage sites, the park was named after the banyan tree, known locally as Rolla, that was planted by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who ruled the emirate from 1803 to 1866, according to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

Al Montazah Park reopened to the public last year and was developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. Formerly Al Jazeera Park, it was opened in 1979 on an island in Khalid Lagoon, now renamed Flag Island.

The attraction includes a 26,000 square-metre water park, a green area for picnics and events, a kart-racing track and two small football pitches.

Three million people are expected to visit the park each year.