A proposal to instal digital billboards that promote health, fitness, aerobics and yoga in public parks, walkways, coastlines and gardens in Bahrain has been approved by the government.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told the Northern Municipal Council that its proposal, submitted in June, for screens on Abu Sobh coastline has been expanded for implementation nationwide following ‘intensive assessment’.
However, he added that commercial advertisements displayed on the screens to bring in extra revenue would have to be assessed by a special committee, in co-ordination with other ministries and government bodies concerned.
“Installation of LED screens that offer health, fitness, aerobics and yoga tips, and exercises would elevate public parks, walkways and gardens,” Shaikh Mohammed said at the council session.
Shaikh Mohammed
“The content for display would have to be determined by municipal officials in partnership with specialists from other ministries and government bodies,” he added.
“However, advertisements, which we believe will help bring in revenue to cover the cost of the new screen services, will have to be assessed by an expert committee. Also, the selected screens should be resistant to humidity, rain and heat.”
Meanwhile, councillor Bassem Abu Idrees said he presented the proposal as he saw that several fitness enthusiasts were finding it challenging to jog or run on the walkway near his house in Salman Town without a mobile phone in hand.
“People are forced to keep their mobile phones in car because it makes practising any physical activity difficult in parks,” he said.
“Some use smartwatches to track their messages and emails, but they cannot access fitness content on Google, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube or Instagram.
“This means they cannot follow sequences or instructions while jogging, running or practising light sport, and hence have to stick to the basics.
“That is when I thought digital billboards could offer a solution as they would have content for people to watch and follow around the clock. So for example, at 7am, we could display yoga sessions and tips, and at 10pm it could be breathing techniques.”
He added that content would be agreed on later with relevant authorities but the screens would give municipal facilities ‘a new life’.
“We have some suggestions but the Health Ministry or the General Sports Authority may disagree, and present something more practical and beneficial,” said Mr Abu Idrees.
“Again, we do not know the cost of such screens and how many could be bought. So it’s too early to say how the project could be managed,” he added.
“But our tentative target is early next year when the 2025-2026 national state budget is approved.
“Installing those screens will certainly boost the benefits of public parks, making the facilities an integral part of people’s lives.”
Mr Abu Idrees said while parks are often associated with fun and games, they should also be known for promoting health and wellness.
“As people continue to face serious health challenges such as increasing rates of chronic diseases besides a growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and rising healthcare costs, parks provide an effective and affordable solution,” he explained.
“Parks offer opportunities for physical activity which helps increase fitness and lower levels of obesity.
“The facilities enable people to connect with nature and thereby help in improving mental health.
“Parks and gardens also mitigate the effects of climate change and the impact of air and water pollution on public health.”
Mr Abu Idrees added that parks enhance community interaction by hosting formal and informal gatherings.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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