JEDDAH, 23 July 2007 — The number of parks in Jeddah is set to increase by the end of the year from the current 134 to 290, announced Bahjat Hamouh, head of the Parks and Beautification Department at Jeddah Municipality.
Hamouh said that his department has completed a survey of the needs of existing parks in the city and added that the first phase of a project to improve Jeddah’s parks, includes developing and maintaining existing parks by adding more seats, umbrella-like shades, bins, fences and playgrounds for children.
“Work is now proceeding on the cultural park, which covers an area of 60,000 square meters in the north of Jeddah, and a number of sports playgrounds in several areas around the city. This is in addition to the Al-Tahliah and Al-Nakheel parks, which are all expected to be completed within three months,” said Hamouh.
Hamouh noted that the city’s public parks were surveyed to determine their needs in relation to underground water containers, irrigation networks and the amount of greenery.
The official said that in the last six months, the municipality has planted 35,000 trees around Jeddah. He added that in a few months time, the municipality would plant more than 65,000 trees and reorganize plantation at 250 locations in Jeddah.
The Parks and Beautification Department’s current work is being done to increase greenery and create more places for people to gather in Jeddah.
