Enjoying time at city parks

I love the culture of dropping in at parks after the day's end to unwind. Whether for walks or just to enjoy evenings with a book in hand, Dhakaiites are once again open to the idea of relaxing in parks. It is true that most people go to parks for their morning and evening walks but the fact that we are now able to sit on benches, enjoy open-air public music sessions, sit on the lush grass carpet and hold impromptu picnics creates a whole new notion of enjoying open spaces. 

Earlier, parks were avoided as they became breeding grounds for nefarious activities. However, Dhaka is evolving and with it we are being able to get rid of that horrid invasion of beautiful public spaces.

We get to see lavish fashion shows and high teas being held in the parks now; outdoor art classes, wellness events, and the addition of cafes and bookstores within park premises nudge us to play with the idea of spending some time at these places.

Like the recent Dhaka Sessions Live @ The Park: Dhaka City Sound was an enthralling contemporary music session at Shahbuddin Park amphitheatre. People joined after office hours, young people were seen dancing to the tunes, the light summer breeze and the golden rays of the setting sun gave the park ambience a wonderful feel.

The famous Ramna Park is a gorgeous green space that fills our minds and souls with zen-like energy. The lake, the old café, the children's play zone, those humongous old trees housing the birds and the bats, the rich green rolling grass where walking bare-footed is so reinvigorating; Ramna makes you feel alive.

I love watching the wild ferns growing on the lakesides, the birds making nests, the stray cats lazing around, and the health-conscious walking with all their vigour; parks are colourful places and for lazy ones like me, it is the perfect place to just sit and daydream.

The idea of urban parks was to allow city dwellers to unwind, children to play, elders to get fresh air, and health-conscious people to exercise or walk. But unfortunately, we tend to resist such things by playing the community welfare card.

In Uttara, there was once a notice that you cannot wear shorts while you are in the park. Then the selfish claim that the park belongs to the people of a certain area and others cannot venture in. Well, whatever the reason for such assertions, parks are meant for fun activities and for people to appreciate.

The possibilities of passive and active recreation opportunities are endless in parks and the park authorities should allow it. It increases the need to lead a more active, happier lifestyle.

So, the next time you plan an outdoor activity with your family remember parks are excellent spaces where families and friends can gather to enjoy fresh air and the lakes, arrange a picnic, fly a kite, allow children to hunt for bugs, look for plant parts, you can even hold birthday parties with scavenger hunts.

The reasons for unwinding in the park are limitless!