Lahore gets cutting-edge running track

Material used is both eco-friendly and extremely durable

LAHORE:

: Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore laid a new running track at Jilani Park, tailored specifically for fitness enthusiasts. Brightly coloured, the 550-meter-long track is made of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), a rubberized, artificial surface designed for track athletics and chosen for its durability, elasticity and resilience for greater cushion.

A PHA spokesperson said on Sunday that EPDM was resistant to weathering, UV radiation and heavy use, making it capable of withstanding foot traffic and exposure to various weather conditions with little wear or deterioration. Made from recycled rubber, EPDM granules offer an eco-friendly solution, contributing to waste reduction and sustainability and aligning with PHA's "Clean and Green Lahore" mission.

The spokesperson mentioned that the track, ordered by Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, was the first government-owned facility of its kind in the provincial capital. In recent months, the PHA had been actively beautifying the cityscape. Alongside planting hundreds of thousands of saplings, the authority had installed decorative light structures in and around several thoroughfares in central Lahore.

Moreover, the department had adorned the Canal with decorative lights ahead of the annual Canal Mela, organised by the provincial government. During the festival, the Canal and sections from Mall underpass to Jail Road underpass would be illuminated with vibrant light structures and models showcasing various cultures of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the PHA had implemented various measures to transform the 'Suthra Punjab' cleanliness drive initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif into a widespread movement with assistance from members of the public.