MADINAH, 23 July 2006 — Residents in Madinah are complaining of a strange decision by the city’s park authorities banning children from entering public parks even if they are accompanied by adults.
Authorities took the decision to prevent children from entering the city’s parks after two young boys drowned in a park recently. Children are now unable to enter parks even if their parents or guardians accompany them. Families complain about the “strange” decision and say that they have to go elsewhere for family outings.
Arab News visited some of the city’s parks and saw visitors arguing with guards in an effort to gain permission to enter. Park officials are, however, implementing the ban and stopping children from entering saying they have been specifically ordered not to allow youngsters to enter parks.
At the Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Park there was a large sign on the entrance saying “This Park Is for Adults Only.” Families could be seen driving away after security guards stopped them from entering. Many parents questioned what the purpose was of building parks with open green areas if children could not enter.
Abu Lujeen had brought his wife and children from Makkah to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque. “This is the first time in my life that I have seen a public park ban children from entering? I think the people that took this decision should ask themselves why they built the parks? The green lands were developed for children and adults to run and jump around in,” he said.
One angry father was shouting at the security guard who stopped his children from entering the park. In spite of the father’s yells, the security guard insisted on implementing the rule and would not allow the man’s children to enter.
“Do they expect me to leave my children in the car and go inside with my wife? Parks are built for children. Where do we go in this heat if we are not allowed to visit the city’s parks?” asked the father feeling exasperated.
“What? Do they want me to tell my children that they are not allowed to enter just because they are small and young?” he said.
Reporting on the issue, Al-Watan newspaper spoke to Madinah’s fire department chief Col. Sulaiman Al-Raddadi who explained that the fire service was reviewing safety in the city’s parks.
“We’re checking issues relating to safety in Madinah’s parks, especially at the Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz and Al-Shuhada parks. We need to take some precautionary measures and build fences and electric wires to avoid another tragedy,” said Col. Al-Raddadi.
