WALKING IN THE SUNSHINE

Lush landscapes of flora, sparkling water features and a peaceful atmosphere provide the ambience of the most beautiful park ever created in the kingdom, writes Mai Al Khatib.

This green oasis in the desert is in complete contrast to the beige and brown colourings that we are all used to along the sandy stretches across Bahrain.

When I first heard about Bapco's Princess Sabeeka Park, located in Awali, I thought it all sounds too good to be true.

While I applauded the 'go green' initiative, I knew that I had to see the park for myself to truly apprecaite its serenity and beauty.

I was invited by Hussain Al Ansari, Bapco's general manager and maintenance executive, to experience 'park life' first hand. As I walked on the grounds with manager Mahmood Ahmed I was quickly awestruck by the vastness and enterprise of the undertaking - 46,000sq/m of uninterrupted plant life and a first-of-its-kind-in-Bahrain renewable energy facility which uses solar, wind and hydrogen power to generate electricity.

As soon as you drive through the gates into the park you cannot help but be bewildered by the amount of greenery surrounding you. I have only seen such breathtaking landscaping on my travels abroad in Canada and the UK.

The paths are laid out with special bricks which are designed to withstand the kingdom's harsh summer climate. The lamp posts are a welcoming feature too, designed by Bapco to line the paths and surrounding plant life like large welcoming arches.

The pavillion in the middle of the park reminded me of a Roman colosseum. It can also be seen as a miniature version of Jordan's famous Jerash, where musicians and actors light up the stage with their performances. Mr Ahmed said: "This amphitheatre can actually fit about 500 people. It can be used for school concerts and plays, even weddings."

Walking down the red brick road I felt as if I was in a holiday resort more than a park. There was grass all around me, large palm trees and exotic looking shurbs and plants.

I made sure I stayed on the path at first as the grass looked too pretty to walk on. Mr Ahmed assured me it was OK as future visitors will be able to use the open spaces to lounge and perhaps picnic there. A snack bar and coffee shop will be open soon too.

I still refrained from stepping too close to the beds of greenery but noticed that useful little signs were placed by the various plants explaining what they were.

Along the sides of the paths were exercise equipment. For those fatties in the office there is litte excuse now not to lose a few pounds in an exotic location close to home.

Mr Ahmed added: "We have 10 exercise trail stations along the paths and beautiful scenery for all to enjoy so we are promoting healthy living. Even the air is different here. It's fresh and so open. We also hope this park will be used for educational purposes such as school field trips. Also, people that want to get away from it all can enjoy the natural beauty that the park has to offer."

After a pleasant stroll enjoying the sunshine we came upon the energy lab and Dar An Nakheel (House of Palm Trees) which is a traditional Bahraini-style building that will serve as an educational centre for visitors.

The energy lab powers the house which Mr Ahmed explained can be used for meetings and presentations, for example, on preserving the different types of palm trees in Bahrain and the cultural significance of these species to the kingdom. It also makes for a great resting place and somewhere to cool down.

Mr Al Ansari said: "Dar An Nakheel and the lab will complement each other perfectly.

"Both facilities are educational in nature - heightening awareness of renewable energy in Bahrain on one hand, and encouraging visitors to better appreciate the many varieties of palm trees in Bahrain, and our natural heritage in general, on the other.

"Furthermore, all facilities at Dar An Nakheel will be powered by the Energy Lab, providing a very real demonstration of renewable energy-in-action to visitors."

Our photographer Ryan excitedly approached me and said in awe: "I have never seen a windmill in Bahrain before!"

Further along we came to a glorious greenhouse filled with numerous types of palm trees, shrubs and plants keeping them fresh, protected and reproducing.

To the right side of the park, past the pavillion, are four large water fountains that form streams that run across the park and two children's play areas. The stream is more visible near a newly-renovated library and coffee shop. The operation of the coffee shop is still under negotitation. After touring the entire park Mr Ahmed turned to me and asked: "So...was it everything we said it would be?" I smiled and said: "It's that and more."