Dose of nature: 14 parks are getting ready across Qatar

Tribune News NetworkDohaAs the weather in Qatar is turning outdoor-friendly again, more than a dozen lush green parks are quietly taking shape all over the country.According to the Ministry of Municipality, the construction works of 14 Al Furjan Parks are 85 percent complete. Nestled amidst a flurry of buildings, the parks are scattered all over the country, especially in areas that lack green spaces.The idea behind the Al Furjan Parks is to provide the residents quick and convenient access to a green space without requiring them to travel far. Green space covers almost 70 percent of each park, which the ministry said would enhance Qatar’s green area per capita.The Supervisory Committee for beautification of roads and public places in Qatar said the parks combined cover 123,048 square metres and are home to more than 1,600 trees. Most of the parks have walkways, cycle tracks, workout equipment and play areas. Muhammad Arqoub Al Khaldi, the chairman of the Supervisory Committee, said the Al Furjan Parks were a result of the government’s efforts to protect the environment and improve the residents’ quality of life. "Moreover, [they] will support local communities by providing open green spaces to meet the requirements of residential neighbourhoods.”Projects Design Manager Jazmine Sheikh said the parks at Rawdat Egdaim, Al Mearad, Al Wajbah and Al Thumama were designed to meet the needs of all residents, including the elderly and individuals with special needs.The design of each of these parks was created to complement the area in which they are located, she said, adding that the location of each park was carefully chosen to serve the maximum number of residents in each area.Projects Design Manager Maryam Al Kuwari said the parks in Bu Hamour, Al Sailiya, Al Muraikh and Al Ebb were also designed in line with the area’s character, the surrounding buildings and landmark attractions in the area. For example, she said, the main design lines of Bu Hamour Park are inspired by one of the distinctive elements in the Bu Hamour area, the old markets. "The arches of parks are sketched similar to the designs of traditional market shadings. The design also includes pedestrian and jogging paths to facilitate exercise. Ease of access to the park was considered through walkways connected to surrounding areas, without the need to use cars.”Projects Design Manager Hessa Al Kaabi said the parks at Hazm Al Markhiya, Fereej Al Soudan and Al Thameed, as well as three parks in Al Wakra, features trees that complements the nature of these areas"The green spaces cover about 70% of the parks to help improve the climate by reducing temperatures and carbon emissions.”The Supervisory Committee works in coordination with several ministries and entities in Qatar such as the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Culture, Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar Railway Company, Private Engineering Office and others. It aims to humanize cities with its vision to create a balance between people and the environment and change the car-dominated culture into a pedestrian and cyclist friendly culture.