A cooler, greener and more active way of enjoying Bahrain’s outdoors is taking shape at A’ali, where a newly-upgraded walkway is being positioned as a model for the next generation of municipal recreational facilities.
The revamped A’ali Walkway, officially opened yesterday by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak in tracksuit, combines fitness facilities, solar-powered lighting, security cameras, upgraded grounds and a water-mist cooling system designed to make outdoor exercise more comfortable during Bahrain’s scorching summers.
The project covers around 23,175 square metres, with the walking track stretching for approximately one kilometre.
The opening was attended by Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, Northern Municipality director-general Mohammed Al Sehli and area councillor Abdulla Abdulhameed Ashoor.
Also present were Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah, Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, A’ali Club president Hussain Al A’ali and A’ali Social Charity Society chairman Aqeel Al A’ali, plus A’ali Housing Social Charity Society chairman Ali Al Musajin.
The redevelopment included replacing the previous flooring with a new asphalt surface, described by officials as more suitable for walking, alongside maintenance of shaded areas and public toilets.
Fitness and recreational facilities have also been upgraded, including exercise equipment, treadmills and facilities for children such as push-up and pull-up areas.
A major new feature is a water-mist cooling system installed along the walkway, while landscaping has been expanded to create a greener environment.
Solar-powered lighting has been introduced, security cameras installed and the sports and play areas refurbished.
Mr Al Mubarak said the project formed part of the ministry’s continuing efforts to improve public facilities throughout Bahrain and provide residents and visitors with spaces that better meet their recreational and sporting needs.
He described the development as a qualitative addition to Northern Governorate’s public facilities, supporting healthier lifestyles while providing families and visitors with a more attractive environment.
For Shaikh Mohammed, however, A’ali is more than simply another upgraded walkway.
He said its selection as a model was closely linked to A’ali being one of Bahrain’s four areas recognised by the World Health Organisation as a Healthy City.
“Variations of this model will be taken elsewhere,” Shaikh Mohammed said, pointing to plans to upgrade the National Charter Walkway, Busaiteen Corniche, Hamad 1209 Public Park and Abu Sobh Coastline.
Future projects could feature partial shading and ‘cool-effect’ walking surfaces designed to respond better to Bahrain’s extreme summer temperatures, he added.
“There are plans to install partial shades, cool-effect walking grounds that adjust with the scorching heat, amongst multiple options,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
He said the project represented a substantial effort to create what the ministry describes as a model walkway, while improved public toilets, including paid facilities, had also contributed to maintaining higher hygiene standards.
“It is a huge effort that has gone towards what we describe as a model transformation,” he said.
Shaikh Mohammed also revealed that security surveillance was being pursued to tackle vandalism and littering.
“At the Smart Cities Summit we also announced security surveillance to catch vandals and litterers and we are working on it gradually in select areas with pilot installments,” he said.
Northern Municipality director-general Mohammed Al Sehli said the project was the result of examining different international approaches to developing modern walkways and selecting elements that could work in Bahrain.
The result, he said, has already attracted people from outside A’ali.
“People from all across Bahrain are coming here because it is really the place to experience light recreational sports,” Mr Al Sehli said.
The popularity of the upgraded facility has also created an unexpected commercial opportunity, with growing interest in setting up businesses along the walkway.
“The requests to open businesses have gone up,” he added.
Dr Al Wedaie welcomed the opening, saying the redevelopment reflected the importance placed on providing Northern Governorate residents with modern sporting and recreational facilities.
He said the improvements would enhance the experience of walkers and families while encouraging greater use of the facility for sporting and leisure activities.
Mr Ashoor said the project responded directly to the needs of A’ali residents and provided a better-equipped environment for exercise and recreation.
He praised the ministry’s efforts to upgrade public facilities and said the walkway’s transformation would benefit residents while strengthening A’ali’s position as a community destination.
“With cooling mist overhead, greener surroundings, upgraded fitness equipment and a walking surface designed with comfort in mind, A’ali Walkway is now being presented as a testing ground for a new municipal recreation model - one that we hope can eventually be replicated across Bahrain to benefit all,” said Mr Ashoor.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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