RAWALPINDI: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has started work on the rehabilitation and upgradation of a public park adjacent to 502 Workshop on Adiala Road at a cost of Rs450 million.

Talking to Dawn, PHA Director General Ahmad Hassan Ranjha said the government had released Rs20 million and the remaining amount would be received next month. He said the project was expected to be completed in a year.

He said new facilities would be added to the park for recreational activities for citizens.

Under the plan, 11 BBQ gazebos, a multi-purpose recreational arena and gaming zone, washrooms, two basketball courts, cricket pitch, mini –golf and three tennis courts will be constructed in the park.

“There is a lake measuring 300 square feet in the park and the PHA will develop it. Seating arrangements will also be made along the lake,” he said and added that a pedestrian bridge over the lake will also be constructed.

He said the PHA had made a master plan for lawns, jogging, cycling areas. “Total 2600 running feet (RFT) strolling path, 2000 RFT cycling track and 1400 RFT jogging track will be established,” he said.

He said that a botanical and manicured gardenwould also be developed in the park along with an amusement park. A large number of people visit this park.

The PHA chief said the authority had completed reconstruction of two parks in Khayaban-i-Sir Syed with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations. These two parks are Gulab Park and Quaid-i-Azam Park.

He said the PHA had planted flowers on roads from Jheeka Gali to Kashmir Point.

“We have already installed LED lights on different roads in Murree to improve the ambience in the winter.”

He said that PHA also launched a campaign to ensure renovation and beautification in all public parks. The PHA is using all available resources to provide quality recreational facilities to the public, he added.

He said lighting and seating arrangements were being improved and decoration of plants and flowers was being carried out in the parks. Special arrangements have also been made for cleanliness in the parks, he said.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024