Islamabad
Parents who are disappointed with the lack of entertainment facilities for their children and the condition of existing ones would be happy to learn about the inauguration of renovated Japanese Park to be held today (Thursday).
Spreading over 25 acres of land with as many as 152 different challenging swings, the park was gifted to Pakistani children by the Japanese government in December 1985.
The park has always been a favorite picnic point for fun deprived residents of Islamabad and increasingly became crowded with more and more people visiting the facility every day. Lush green lawns, interesting swings and eating stalls within the park were always a center of attention for the visitors but its charm over the years seems to have faded because of the deteriorating condition of rides and swings.
In past 30 years, millions of people visited the park for entertainment and the condition of facilities kept worsening. Blame negligence of authorities or the irresponsible use by the general public, the beauty of park spoiled with time with no renovation plan in place.
Visitors often started complaining about broken swings, dilapidated condition of pavements and low quality food at the food stalls. “I still remember when the park was newly made. I used to take my children there regularly. The environment was more peaceful and rides were not only colorful and challenging but were also good for health,” said Sabiha Sawar, a resident of Islamabad.
Sabiha was glad that the park is renovated. “Last time I visited the park three months ago and I was really disappointed to see the colourless broken rides and the garbage all around. The authorities neglected the park and people visiting the park used the facilities very irresponsibly. I hope this would not happen again,” she said.
Today, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman and Japanese Ambassador will inaugurate the Japanese Park yet again with renovated swings, pavements and lawns - all done with the help of Japanese government.
“The park is renovated with Rs80 million. The work included fixing of gadgets and rides, revamping of lawns and pavements, repair of water drainage system and public washrooms, colouring of rides and swings and improvement in other facilities such as food outlets etc,” said CDA spokesman Ramzan Sajid. He said that some equipment is also installed in the park.
He said that CDA was regularly conducting daily maintenances activities in the park but this is the first time in thirty years that the park was completely renovated. Hope that both CDA and people visiting the park will take care of the facility this time.