One million reasons to visit Abu Dhabi parks

Community friendly facilities were the key reason to the increased number of visitors to the capital's parks.

ABU DHABI - 01JAN2012-  Family, friends and Children get together at parks and family beaches yesterday evening as their celebrate New Year 2012 on Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National
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ABU DHABI // Public parks in the capital have attracted almost one million visitors in the first half of the year, the municipality has said.

Of the more than 930,000 visitors so far this year, Khalifa Park attracted the most at 109,815, according to statistics published by the state news agency, Wam.

Abdullah Nasir Al Junaibi, the director of community services at the municipality, said the huge turnout could be attributed to efforts made by the municipality towards improving services, diversifying alternatives for residents and intensifying public and community events in the parks.

"This rise in the number of park visitors is attributed to the programmes and plans aimed at transforming parks into community-friendly facilities through streamlining cultural, social and sports events throughout the year and transforming these parks into an ideal option for families, tourists and residents as well as a favourite venue for children," Mr Al Junaibi said.

The most popular parks in Abu Dhabi include Al Assema Park with 92,530 visitors; Al Khalidiya Park with 66,510 visitors; Children's Park at Khalidiyah with 14,180 visitors; Al Nadi Al Siyahi Park with 52,660 visitors; Bain Al Jisrain Park with 14,695 visitors; New Airport Park with 6,990 visitors; Bani Yas Park with 69,505 visitors and Al Shahama Park with 14,574 visitors.

"About 45,242 children have entered public parks free of charge in the first half of this year, and the number of students who have visited parks during the same period reached 32,608," Mr Al Junaibi said.