Bahrain - A study has been urged into the feasibility of setting up dedicated ‘wellness parks’ across the country.
Green spaces with paved trail for walking, jogging, and biking and fitness zones with equipment for children and adults alike could be the future, MPs have said, as countries across the globe continue to see a rise in lifestyle diseases.
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood has reportedly drawn up a plan for future public parks as he seeks to revamp what he believes are “outdated concepts”.
The former Northern Municipal Council chairman said current work methodology was not contributing to the development of such facilities.
All public parks, gardens and walkways come under the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, but Mr Buhamood believes that the Health, and Youth and Sports Affairs Ministries should also be involved.
“There are no parks, gardens and walkways worth its name in Bahrain. Princess Sabeeka Park in Awali is the only exception,” he said.
“Two or three cement chairs and some rides cannot make a great park. Even walking tracks made of bricks are not ideal for joggers.
“The methodology is wrong because the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry owns municipal properties and decides what to do with it.
“They are taking up studies, but it is limited to their understanding of beautification and greenery.”
Mr Buhamood called for a collaborative effort between ministries and government bodies to decide the future of parks – both old and new.
“The Health Ministry should decide on suitable walking tracks, light sports equipment and even other alternative healthy features at parks,” said Mr Buhamood.
“Doctors must encourage diabetes patients to walk for two hours daily on proper trails rather than prescribing injections or multiple pills. This treatment could go across other illnesses.
“Having a safe place to exercise outdoors is central to total health.”
The MP urged the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry to examine if football pitches and other sport courts within such facilities are up to standards.
“Collaborative effort saves money as the property owner handles 70 per cent of the cost and 30pc gets divided among other ministries.
“Investors would also step in and they would build gyms and fitness centres, besides healthy food outlets rather than current kiosks rented out for soda, karak and coffee.”
Another proposal to privatise those facilities and offer them to investors, approved in August, is currently under study with the same parliamentary committee.
It’s being spearheaded by Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi, who believes that municipal facilities are draining vital government funds without bringing any actual revenue.
Mr Al Tamimi also suggested that more than 100 facilities be handed over to Edamah, the government’s real-estate arm, to manage on behalf of the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
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