A new BD240,000 ($635,500) development, called Hamad Town Gardens, covering an area of 5,135 sq m and featuring several grassy areas, two playgrounds, football areas and public toilets has opened in Bahrain.

It is located near Hamad Town's Roundabout Two and was opened yesterday (April 23) by Northern Municipality director-general Yousif Al Ghatam.

'This project comes as an implementation of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 plan which was set up by the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry,' said Al Ghatam.

'We at the Northern Municipality are trying to bring many projects to reality to achieve our goal which is fulfilling people's aspirations.

'Hamad Town does not have many green areas, therefore this park will be a good place for people to enjoy walks, talks and spare time.'

It follows the opening of another park in the Northern Governorate, Janabiya Public Park, on March 1 as part of the Northern Parks Friends scheme.

The initiative was launched by Al Ghatam to help protect public parks from sabotage and to spread environmental awareness.

'The Park Friends are volunteers in the Northern Parks Friends scheme who are helping in monitoring the upkeep of the parks,' he explained. 'They will get the support of the municipality and the people.'

A third new park in the Northern Governorate, the Prince Khalifa Educational Park, is also on the cards after getting the green light from the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry.

'This park is one of a series of parks that will be built in this area,' said Northern Municipal Council member Khalid Al Ka'abi.

'It came as a result of co-operation between the executive system and the Municipal Council, who are trying to develop the area and enhance facilities within the budget. The idea was given to Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi, who agreed to construct the park on an area covering 6,200 sq m. We would love to see this become a reality soon, with the co-operation of Al Ghatam.'

Al Ghatam was accompanied at yesterday's opening by other senior officials including municipal councillors, MP Mohammed Al Ammadi and Northern Governorate deputy governor Jassim Al Wafi. – TradeArabia News Service