Smart park for people with special needs demanded : Saudia Arabia

 People with special needs are calling for a smart park modeled on the pattern of Prince Saud bin Naif Park established by Al Turki Group in the Eastern Province. The park, the first of its kind in the Kingdom specifically meets the needs of people with disabilities.

PARK WITH LIFE: People with special needs want public parks such as Prince Saud bin Naif Park


They have also asked the Eastern Province municipality to take into account other conditions of disabled people and not only consider the construction of wheelchair corridors in parks.

Speaking on the need of a park for the disabled, Hesa Al-Jamaan said: "When a blind person goes to smart parks, he wants to enjoy himself without assistance." Sharing his opinion, Abdulrahman Al Suwailem said that the idea of smart parks was excellent allowing the visually challenged to enjoy themselves and spend time with others.

Abdulrahman also asked for a poetry forum for the talented individuals among them.

Bandar Al-Shammari, park supervisor and social responsibility department manager at the Al Turki group, said that Prince Saud bin Naif Park was designed to cater to everyone, regardless of gender, age, or cultural background, and to provide full accessibility for people with disabilities.

"It breaks away from traditional design to facilitate education and learning while promoting individual and collective initiatives that are based on nurturing a culture of development and sustainability," he explained.

"The park represents life and vitality.

The beautiful sound of trickling water flowing in semi-circular ripples from our octagonal fountain in the center of the park is intended to lift the human spirit. It blends wonderfully with the fresh air highlighting a marvelous aspect of our Islamic heritage in its use of water," Al-Shammari said.

He added that the Al Turki group wanted the park to be a beacon of learning and knowledge where visitors can acquire new skills and universal human values to help them become a more positive force in their communities.

 

"We believe that civilized communities should facilitate access to public places for learning and entertainment for persons with disabilities in accordance with international standards," he stressed.

He explained that in order to create a positive model for the integration of people with disabilities within their communities, the park was designed to include tools and services such as a special entrance for wheelchair users, insulation of ground tracks and cautionary points throughout the park for the visually impaired; installation of an audio system that works automatically to guide visitors throughout the park walls and a visual presentation to translate written text into sign language for the hearing impaired.

"The 4000 square meter park is available for all artists to present their activities free of charge. In addition, all government agencies that need to present valuable programs for the community should communicate with the park management. All constructive suggestions are welcomed," he concluded.


Source: Yahoo News-Maktoob, 1st Jan 2015