(MENAFN- Gulf Times) With the summer heat easing a bit, the number of people going to public parks in Doha to exercise has started to increase, especially during the weekend.
"A few days ago, you could count on your fingers the number of joggers at Aspire Zone, but this morning, there are many," said one visitor, who also took his three children to play at the park yesterday.
Some of the children were seen engaged in mini football training and matches at a dedicated area.
A couple who were watching the games told Gulf Times that they find time to take their son to Aspire every week so that he could play football and meet new friends.
"It is still hot today, but for us, we find outdoor physical activities more inviting and exciting than indoor," the father said.
"You have the sun, the wind and you sweat a lot which is something we try to achieve, especially to prevent putting on weight," he explained.
Some visitors come in groups to walk, do basic exercises such as stretching, knee high and a couple of jumping jack and push-ups.
Others spend their time chatting with friends and relatives while watching different kinds of birds which fly around the park.
The Souq Waqif park along Doha Corniche, also receives a large number of visitors in the afternoon until evening, since it opened early this year. Its playground was a big hit with a lot of children while a number of fitness equipment attracted many walkers.A number of individuals who spend their afternoon in different parks, to walk and exercise said they are anticipating the opening of new public parks this year.
Mohamed, an Arab expatriate, lauded the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) for developing parks which will have more attractions, facilities and toilets.
"The opening of these new parks is timely because summer is just a few months away. We will have more options to spend our free time with our families," he added.
An official of MMUP had recently announced that nine public parks are currently being constructed in Qatar.
Besides the attractions, some parks will also have free WiFi connections, modified playground to accommodate more children, and facilities for the blind and people with disabilities and special needs.
However, MMUP stressed that only families will be allowed to use these parks. Other parks such as the Museum of Islamic Art park on Doha Corniche and the Sheraton Park also continue to be a permanent destination of families during the weekend.
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