The spookiest public park in the kingdom is set to be reborn as a star attraction for families and tourists.
The Southern Municipal Council describe the Hunainiyah Valley Public Park, which was previously known as Umm Al Arawah (Mother of Souls), as ‘derelict’ and in urgent need of repair, maintenance and remodelling.
Councillors have unanimously voted for the park to receive a full makeover which they are confident will attract even more souls to the facility … and living ones this time!
The council’s services and public utilities committee chairman and area councillor Khalid Shajra has suggested new toilet facilities, children rides and seating areas, alongside other modern amenities.
The park is adjacent to the Hunainiyah Valley sanctuary, where Ayn Al Hunnaniyah, a natural spring dating back to 160 AD, is located. Part of this area will become a major integrated agricultural and fish farming project aimed at bolstering Bahrain’s food security in 2022, a project launched by His Majesty King Hamad.
It is also close to a cemetery, one of Bahrain’s biggest graveyards, an area badly affected by the storms last month, as reported in the GDN.
Volunteers turned up in their scores to help safeguard and restore Hunnaniyah Cemetery after around 100 graves broke open due to heavy rains. Fortunately, unlike in a previous infamous incident in 2017, corpses were not forced out of their flooded burial places.
The Works Ministry has also recently reclaimed a section of the park for safety reasons, as it was known to feature a risky ‘quick-clay’ zone, it was revealed during the council’s meeting yesterday. “The area where the park is in is called Umm Al Arawah because it is believed that many people have been swallowed by quick-clay and that their souls are trapped there,” said council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif. “Knowing that Hunnaniyah existed for around 4,000 years, there could be many lost souls there,” he added.
“I am not trying to scare anyone here as the Works Ministry has recently reclaimed the quick-clay area and put some rides on top of it. But, they continue to remain empty attractions, as the whole place is in such a derelict state.”
Mr Shajra believes the spooky tales surrounding the park could add to its interest for visitors, particularly tourists looking for adventure and a ‘bit of a harrowing past’. “It is a safe place nowadays but abandoned because there are no proper facilities,” he explained. “It could become a big tourist attraction as well as a welcome facility for local communities. We just want to bring the park back to life.”
And, its spooky reputation might just add to its pulling power, locals suggest.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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