UAE | Community Reports
Parks are a must for healthy living
Safe, open spaces are very important for exercise and play, and they can also foster interaction among communities
- Text and Picture By Ritu Manchanda, Gulf News Reader
- Published: 00:00 June 14, 2011
- Image Credit: Ritu Manchanda/Gulf News Reader
- Children in Dubai have to play in parking lots, which is very unsafe as cars keep coming and going, and one has to always be on the watch. Easily accessible community parks should be provided in all areas.
I am a resident of Bur Dubai and have loved living in the city for the last three years.
However, I would like to share my perspective on one of the key aspects that can help develop the cultural aspect of Dubai — neighbourhood parks.
There are very good public parks in Dubai and the landscaping throughout the key roads of the city is brilliant.
Every time we pass by such areas, we are in awe and thank those who are working hard to give us a pleasant view all year round.
But in today's busy world, everybody does not have the time or the means to travel to the bigger parks every day. Such visits are usually limited to family outings over the weekend.
So there should be parks which are easily within the reach of a community.
There are lots of children in the Bur Dubai area who go out to play, but unfortunately there are not enough playgrounds or parks.
It is sad that in a place like Dubai where the latest facilities are available for residents, there is a dearth of community parks.
There are lots of empty grounds which have been lying vacant for years but are not being properly utilised.
Children here have to play in parking lots, which is very unsafe as cars keep coming and going, and one has to always be on the watch.
Safe, open spaces are very important for the growth of children, as they need outdoor activities to fight conditions like obesity.
It is also very important for adults to have proper walking paths and places to exercise in the fresh air. Instead, many walk along the roadside on pavements, through busy traffic, for their morning and evening exercise.
Provision of such spaces would help adults combat obesity and control diabetes and hypertension, which are often major threats to people's health.
There are often awareness campaigns and marathons to highlight the impact of such conditions, but these can definitely be controlled with the provision of a natural, green environment in every community.
Additionally, quite a few people who live in this beautiful city spend a lot of time within their homes.
If there are more neighbourhood parks, it would help promote outdoor activities and foster interaction among people. This can help promote neighbourly feelings within multi-cultural communities.
I would request the relevant authorities to please look into the matter and guide concerned departments to utilise empty grounds and create parks for recreational purposes.
Parks in every community are a must for healthy living. They are the most economical way to enjoy a healthy life!
— The reader is based in Dubai
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