Major parks get facelift ahead of Eid

To make the upcoming Eid holidays memorable for residents of the twin cities, all major major parks in the garrison city have been equipped with additional facilities such as amusement rides, computerised games, dodgem cars, horror houses, horse rides, and boating.

Due to the hike in electricity and petrol prices, the charges for all amusements facilities have been increased by 100 per cent. The new rates will be charged from the first day of Eid in 56 amusement parks across the district and in Patriata - also known as New Murree.

New scooters and large boats are also being acquired for the two lakes of Ayub Park and their fee will be increased.

Ahead of the Eid holidays, the chairlift at Patriata has been upgraded with an additional hike in the chair lift fee of Rs200. Cleanliness in all parks will be ensured for which preparations have entered the final stages. Upgradation of parks will be completed by Wednesday, official sources said.

During the five holidays of Eidul Fitr, the management of all major commercial parks has also acquired new swings and ride ponies to attract more families, while zoos have also been upgraded.

In major parks, car parking fee has been fixed at Rs150 and the motorcycle fee at Rs80. Meanwhile, the entry fee has been fixed at Rs100.

Officials also said special cleaning of parks is also going on for Eid celebrations.

At Ayub Park, the 1,000 acres of park area has been widened with modifications to its design. According to officials, new cages for zoo animals have been prepared and the park's famous horror house has also been upgraded innovatively.

Moreover, visitors will have a chance to taste desi cuisines as well.

Jinnah Park, Allama Iqbal Park, Rumi Park, 502 Workshop Park, Ladies Park, Patriata, and Dhok Munshi Park have been decorated with seasonal flowers.

All major parks have set up separate free entertainment corners for deserving families where children belonging to these families will spend their leisure time.

During the Eid holidays, visiting hours of the parks will be set between 9am and 1pm.

As part of security arrangements, closed circuit cameras and special security guards have been installed in all the parks.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2023.