Visitors throng entertainment venues

Over 1m people turn up at recreational places in and around twin cities

During the Eid festivities, families flocked to various amusement parks and scenic spots in and around Rawalpindi, including Patriata chairlift, Daman-e-Koh, and Murree, creating a lively atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. Children, in particular, had a delightful time as they explored the attractions and enjoyed the warm weather, which was complemented by the comforting cover of clouds.

The management of these entertainment venues had meticulously organised activities and facilities catering specifically to families and children, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Notably, the Patriata chairlift, which had been closed since 1st Ramazan, was reopened to accommodate the surge of visitors during Eid.

Statistics from the administration of major entertainment places revealed a remarkable milestone, with over one million people thronging the parks and entertainment venues over the three-day Eid period.

The festivities were further enhanced by the availability of traditional foods such as corn bread, saag, and chatti ki lassi, adding a cultural touch to the celebrations.

However, amidst the joyous atmosphere, some families raised concerns about the high prices of food items, parking fees, and ticket prices for rides and attractions. Transport services, including taxis, rickshaws, and Qingqi rickshaws, were also accused of overcharging, leading to dissatisfaction among visitors.

Responding to these concerns, park management adjusted their operating hours from the first day of Eid until Sunday, extending the timing from 9am to 1pm to accommodate more visitors. Additionally, special attention was given to boating activities at Ayub Park and Rawal Dam, as well as attractions like ghost bungalows and wildlife exhibits, which garnered significant interest from families.

The diverse wildlife exhibits featuring lions, bears, monkeys, ostriches, wolves, and African parrots were particularly popular among children, offering them an educational and entertaining experience. Other attractions such as pony rides, dodging cars, and computerised swings added to the festive ambiance, allowing families to create lasting memories together.

Across the 59 major amusement parks in the twin cities, including Ayub Park, Patriata, Jinnah Park, Joyland, and others, families continued to pour in throughout the day, enjoying the newly enhanced beautification and security measures put in place. Notably, Ayub National Park underwent expansions, offering a wider array of wildlife and attractions to visitors.

Despite the challenges faced by families with multiple children, who found it financially burdensome to indulge in all activities, the parks' administration made efforts to provide free native swings and slides for children from middle and lower-income families. This initiative aimed to ensure that all children, regardless of economic background, could partake in the festive fun.

Parking fees for vehicles and motorcycles added to the expenses, prompting some families to opt for homemade meals and snacks to mitigate the financial strain. Despite these challenges, families found joy in spending time together, engaging in sports activities like soccer and cricket, and appreciating the cultural and aesthetic enhancements of the parks.

Security arrangements, including uniformed guards and CCTV surveillance, ensured a safe environment for all visitors. However, the lack of a proper traffic control system outside the parks led to congestion and delays for normal vehicles, highlighting an area for improvement in future festivities.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2024.