Legendary spring to be brought to life

A team of architects have started an ambitious project to bring to life a legendary spring that had been Bahrain's landmark for ages but dried up about 10 years ago.

Ain Adhari, a natural spring used to draw crowds of people who plunged into the realms of its cool gushing water under the shades of natural canopies from the surrounding date palms.

In addition to its recreational identity, Adhari was also used as a washing site for women who come from all over the island with bundles of clothes and do their washing using the natural channels of the spring.

A Bahraini myth indicates that Adhari was produced by 'a virgin' girl who dug the ground in search of water. Water started to gush out from where she was digging and the spring had not stopped flowing ever since.

But this is only a myth and Bahrain is well known for its natural springs like Qassari, Ain Um Shamoom and others.

However, one cannot overlook the fact that Adhari seemed to be the fulcrum of existence for not only people but animals, birds and reptiles like frogs that made their homes in various channels.

The entire scenery of the pool was a splendour for visitors to see and enjoy.

Many families used to come to the pool and picnic under the bows of the palm trees while their children enjoyed water activities and playing ball in the grassy areas around the pool.

For more than a decade now this natural spring has been abandoned completely. Its water became stagnant and algae and moss started to develop all over the once beautiful clear water. The spring itself dried up along with the channels surrounding it.

It seemed that Adhari had reached its final day and that there was no hope for it to regain its golden glory. Like a helpless tramp stranded on a roadside, Adhari has been weeping for salvation from many years.

Finally the shrieks of anxiety echoed to the right people and luck began to smile for Adhari.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Environmental Affairs realised the great loss of Adhari Park and started thinking positively, trying to pump life into the park once again.

The Cybarco Bahrain Company was chosen to revive the spring and try to turn it into a beautiful site that makes people spend days together there.

Cybarco's site engineer, Henry C. Beltran, highlighted the various renovation works, currently being conducted on the spring and the new additional buildings that will be constructed in the area.

"Work has started on Adhari in June and we are currently working on the renovation of the spring. As the spring dried up many years ago, the existing site of the pool will be fitted with pumps to circulate the water and the whole place will be transformed into a swimming pool for residents to use. The total size of the pool is quite large as it occupies a total area of 500 square metres."

Regarding the additional facilities, Henry emphasised the fact that a coffee shop will be built along with a full shower block for swimmers.

"The pool area will be equipped with shades and seating for people to relax and enjoy the pool side view. Even the existing channels of Adhari will also be fitted with pumps to circulate the water to and from the pool itself. A fountain will also be built next to the entrance to give the place a new look and make it more unique for people to visit."

The renovation work which is estimated to cost approximately BD650,000 ($1.7 million) will be completed by December and hopes are high for it to revive its visitors and stand out as one of the busiest recreational park on the island.