New recreational park for Umm Al Sheif

Residents of Umm Al Sheif will have a new park by the end of next year.

The municipality, which is finalising designs, is responding to the growing demand for recreational facilities.

Engineer Abdul Redha Abul Hassan, acting director of the general projects department at the Dubai Municipality, said the designs are expected to be ready by October and work will begin that month as well.

The park will boast seasonal flowers, small plants, green areas and big trees. The central piazza will have a water fountain surrounded by shaded seating areas. A main walkway will split the park into two separate sections.

There will be two playgrounds for children of various age groups starting from two to 12 years.

There will be basketball and volleyball courts as well as a football field for youngsters.

Two separate service buildings will also be built for both male and female visitors to the park.

Given the expected demand from joggers and walkers, a dedicated track will be built inside the park to cater to them, Abdul Hassan said.

"We have also taken into consideration the requirements of people with special needs and the park will have special facilities for them," Abdul Hassan said.

He said the municipality has a long-term plan to enlarge green areas and to add different kinds of plants, trees and flowers in the park.

"We are trying to offer the best services to the public and are constructing these parks to prevent children from playing on roads and putting their lives in danger," Abdul Hassan said.