By Hatim Al-Rihaili
MADINAH — People of Madinah are complaining about a lack of affordable entertainment activities in the city during the spring break. They say the municipality had shut down amusement parks in the city years ago.
Saleh Al-Jihani, a resident, said more than three years ago the municipality had shut down three amusement parks in Madinah.
“Al-Biyaijan Park, Al-Durra Park and Aluna Park in Al-Hijrah were closed to the public and these places became deserted. The trees in these parks are all dead and the funfair rides are broken. We have no options for entertainment during our holidays,” said Al-Jihani.
He said the only options for recreation people of Madinah have is going on desert safaris or visiting indoor games.
“The prices at the indoor game centers are very high. One round in an indoor ride costs SR15. It is too much especially for families with many children. We need outdoor recreational parks with the latest rides for our children,” said Al-Jihani.
He said many people in Madinah feel like they need to travel to other cities just to give their children some entertainment during their holidays.
“Holiday entertainment is important for children who work so hard throughout the semester. They deserve to have fun and the families should be able to afford giving their children entertainment. There should be a festival in every holiday,” said Al-Jihani.
Madinah Municipality Media and Public Relations Director Khalid Mutib said the municipality shut down the recreational parks to open public parks that citizens can visit free of cost.
“The amusement parks would charge people even for entry. The public parks in the city are free of charge and people and families can enjoy a day outdoors without spending anything. The amusement parks will be allowed to reopen if they meet the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs’ new standards and regulations,” said Mutib.
He also said the municipality cooperates with investors as long as they meet the ministry’s conditions.
