Al Ain children make the most of new playgrounds

Al Ain: Seventeen new playgrounds have given new impetus to children's outdoor games and physical activities in the city as well as a sigh of relief to the parents who are always worried about kids' safety.

The playgrounds, which are equipped with all necessary facilities, have recently been opened by Al Ain Municipality in different residential areas of the city.

The grounds were a part of the municipality's plan to modernise the city and helping people to improve their lifestyles.

Crowded with children of all ages, the playgrounds come to life in the afternoon and youngsters continue to enjoy their games until late into the night.

"Children can practice their sports in the grounds in a safe and secure environment," said an official of the municipality.

The absence of playing areas in the past was forcing children to play in parking lots, streets and other risky areas. It was putting children's lives in danger as well as creating a disturbance for people.

The playgrounds are located in Manaseer, Town Centre, Hili, Markhania, Neyadat, Sarooj and other residential neighbourhoods, said the official. They each cover an area of 1,800 square metres and look like mini stadiums with walls, other protection and adequate lighting.

"Since football is a popular game, the grounds have sufficient space to practise it," the official said, noting that the grounds are of two types. Some of them are lush green with grass and some of them are sandy, designed to be safe and enjoyable places for the youth to practise sports, said the official.

Mohammad Nasir, a resident of Sarooj district, said the playground in the neighbourhood has been a big relief for him. "It has relieved me from the duty of taking children to a playing area on every [alternate] day," he said. Yasudass Narainan, an expatriate resident, said the playground is located close to his house. "Children living in the neighbourhood get an opportunity for physical exercise and to socialise with others. The ground also helped us to change [a] lethargic lifestyle by going on a walk around it," he said.