Plans have been approved for a new public park in old Sanad in response to a long-standing demand from the community, dating back more than a decade.
The Capital Trustees Board approved the establishment of the facility on a plot (06010400) located in Block 743 of the area.
Board services and public utilities committee chairwoman Huda Faraj confirmed that the designated plot, now officially registered under the ownership of the government, has finally been earmarked for use as a public park following years of administrative hurdles and neglect.
Emphasising the importance of responding to residents’ needs, she said, “The proposal to establish this park is not new; it’s been with us since the fourth municipal session of the Capital Trustees Board.
“For many years, the people of old Sanad have been calling for green spaces in their neighbourhood,” she added.
The plot in question, despite its classification on paper as a designated park, had never been fully documented within the municipal property registries.
For years, this bureaucratic gap left the space abandoned, vulnerable to vandalism, and unused, creating frustration among local families.
“The residents have been extremely patient,” said Ms Sultan.
“For years, that site has been left unattended. Unfortunately, this led to repeated instances of vandalism and encroachments because the land was left open and unutilised. Today’s decision is a direct response to those concerns.”
Ms Sultan
She highlighted several reasons for the approval of the park project, including providing open green spaces for community members of all ages, mitigating urban heat by increasing shaded areas, reducing noise pollution and improving air quality.
Additionally, the planned park will offer a safe and protected environment for children to explore and play.
“We recognise the importance of creating safe, open spaces for families and children,” Ms Sultan noted.
“With Bahrain’s rising urban density, green areas are no longer a luxury but a necessity for improving the quality of life in our residential neighbourhoods.”
The committee first contacted the Urban Planning and Development Authority to obtain official documentation regarding the proposed park in April 2018. While no formal ownership certificate or land survey was provided at the time, a preliminary design for the park was prepared.
The park currently, with destroyed swings and facilities
In June 2022, requests from residents of the area to renovate parks and create new recreational spaces were discussed at the committee level.
In November 2024, the committee formally addressed the Survey and Land Registration Bureau to clarify the ownership of the plot.
The committee last month finally received official confirmation that the plot was indeed registered under the name of the government and earmarked for use as a park.
Furthermore, the plot was found to be particularly suitable for development.
Plans for a modern park underway
“The location is ideal,” said Ms Sultan. “It’s in the heart of the old Sanad neighbourhood, surrounded by roads and pathways, and not adjacent to private properties. Importantly, it’s located within a protected residential area and there are currently no other parks nearby.
“On April 8, 2025, the committee formally voted to approve the project, recommending that the park be developed in alignment with the early designs and available plans.
“Co-ordination was carried out with the Capital Trustees Authority to verify all nearby public parks, confirming that there was a lack of adequate green spaces in that specific block.
“The approval of this park is just the beginning,” Ms Sultan affirmed.
“Now, we will move to the next stages of working with the relevant departments to secure the necessary budgets and begin implementation. We are committed to seeing this project through for the benefit of the people of old Sanad.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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