Spooky play zone

Now that children are back at school, they are lost in the world of books and often confined to the four walls of their homes. So it was a promise gladly fulfilled when my daughter decided to finish her studies quickly so she could enjoy a joyful time at a nearby park in the Abu Dhabi Corniche area.

She finished her work as the sky turned a light grey and began growing darker still. In high spirits, we walked as fast as we could to our favourite spot, which was completely dark.

Earlier there used to be bright street lights across the play area but it had come to wear a deserted look — the lights were either not working or had probably been turned off after schools reopened.

It surprised me to see young children playing on the slides and in the tunnels, daring to be caught at the other end in the pitch black and parents watching and encouraging them saying: "Come on son, Dad is at the bottom of the slide," or "Mum is at the end of the tunnel, just be confident."

I tried to hide my disappointment and ventured out to her next favourite places, a favourite shopping mall and fast food restaurant just to reward her for the time she was smart enough to spare.

All the while the fountains at the Corniche sparkled in blue, red and golden illumination, yet the play area seemed like a haunted place. I have complained twice to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authorities, but the play area continues to languish in total darkness.

Recently, I received notification from the municipal authorities that action had been taken. However, I went to check on the play area and found no change in the situation.

As a mother, I believe that if I can bring a bulb to shine over the play area, the smiles of all the children playing in the area will be worth the effort.

— The reader is based in Abu Dhabi

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