A heated debate has erupted within the Southern Municipal Council over the dismantling of a beloved children’s play area in West Riffa, which has been a community landmark for more than 30 years.
The council remains divided on whether the renovation of Kiddies Land should incorporate elements of its historical significance or fully embrace a modernised theme.
Kiddie’s Land, which has long been a cherished recreational space for children, is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen within a year with a new design.
The changes have sparked controversy among council members, with some arguing that the removal of old rides and games erases a piece of the area’s history.
The council’s vice-chairman and area councillor Abdulla Bubshait acknowledged the site’s importance but said that he could not prevent the owners from revamping their property.
“As much as I value the memories and nostalgia attached to Kiddie’s Land, the fact remains that the property belongs to private owners,” said Mr Bubshait. “It is their right to upgrade and modernise facilities to cater to the new generation of children,” he added.
“However, I believe an arrangement can be made with the owners to preserve a section of the play area that includes some of the old rides and games.
“This would allow people to continue enjoying a part of its heritage while also benefiting from modern attractions.
“Perhaps a dedicated ‘retro zone’ could be established, where visitors can relive their childhood experiences alongside their children.
“I am willing to sit down with the owners and discuss viable ways to strike a balance between innovation and tradition,” Mr Bubshait added.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, however, argued that the council has the authority to seek intervention from cultural and tourism bodies to halt the changes.
“Old rides are in demand and could play a significant role in promoting the bygone era in the Gulf region,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“Just take Manama Retro in December as a recent example, people from all over the Gulf came to enjoy rides and games from the 1990s. Instead of erasing history, we should capitalise on it. I believe that Kiddies Land, with its decades-long history, could have been transformed into a nostalgic destination for families, maintaining its old features while adding minor refurbishments.
“This could have been a unique attraction in Bahrain, where the past meets the present.”
Mr Abdullatif further argued that the issue extends beyond sentimentality, emphasising the cultural and economic value of preserving historical entertainment sites.
“We are losing pieces of our identity with every old landmark that gets torn down or modernised beyond recognition,” he said.
“In a world where everything is becoming digital and impersonal, there is a deep yearning for the simplicity and joy of traditional play areas.
“Had the owners considered this approach, Kiddie’s Land could have drawn visitors not only from Bahrain but from across the Gulf region, creating a niche tourism attraction.
“I will be reaching out to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to discuss the possibility of preserving at least part of the original play area.”
The issue has been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak who could seek comments on the matter from Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi, who is politically responsible for BTEA, and Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi, who is politically responsible for Baca.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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