DOHA: The number of public parks in Qatar has doubled in the past five years across the country to accommodate growing number of visitors. According to a report of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment the total number of parks in the country has reached 94.

The Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment built a total of 51 new modern parks and renovated the old ones during past five years, said a report posted on the website of the Ministry.

According to the report,  public parks reached 40 — the highest number — in Doha Municipality, followed by Al Rayyan Municipality which has 20 public parks. There are seven public parks each in two municipalities —  Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al Daayen.

Al Wakra and Umm Salal Municipalities received six public parks each. Al Shamal Municipality got five public pParks. There are three public parks in Al Shihaniya.

New parks are part of a major project of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to build modern public parks and upgrade old parks across the country to accommodate growing number of visitors.

Al Bidda Park.

The new public parks were built according to the international standards. Park facilities include modern play areas equipped with various varieties of games and rubber floor for the safety of the children.

Pergolas (shades) at the parks were designed specially giving touch of Qatari heritage to make the parks more beautiful. There are fountains and artificial waterfalls at public parks.  Facilities of public parks were also equipped with free wifi connection and solar-powered mobile charging stations.

To make the public parks modern, safer and durable lamp posts have been set up at the parks. To protect the environment, lighting system are fitted with energy saving bulbs. Many solar-powered system were also installed.

Following the directive of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to encourage people for physical exercise, playgrounds for most popular games like football, basketball, volleyball were built and fitness equipment were installed at some public parks, Doha Corniche and other places which attracts big number of sport lovers, said the report.

MME said that special walkways were developed for joggers at public parks and separate lane was made for cyclists at places.