Fatima Jinnah Park (also known as "F-9 Park") is a public recreational park situated within the F-9 sector of Islamabad, Pakistan. The park is considered one of the largest covered areas in South Asia. It was named after the revered "Madre Millat" (Mother of the Nation) Miss Fatima Jinnah, the younger sister of the founder of Pakistan. It took the builder of the park, Michael Japero, five years to come up with the design.
Contents |
Its colossal acreage is covered mostly by greenery with few man-made structures dotting the landscape. With the exception of a few areas of the park that are close to residential districts, most of the park area effectively serves as a wildlife sanctuary. The park is bounded by a steel fence with entrance doors at regular intervals, though only a few are routinely open and used. A further strip of land outside of the fence is lined with a foot trail. There is a well laid network of foot paths inside the park, with neat grass and a few statues erected sparsely. Amongst the regular attendees, one can find as many voices for arguing in favor of further developing the park as one can find for arguing against the idea. The familiar scent of air and the sight of the Shaheen (Hawk) swooping down on its prey would all be gone once the technological advancements are brought in. Bird-watching in the park is like watching a wild life documentary in live.
Fatima Jinnah Park can be an easy opportunity for citizens to indulge themselves in the healthy activity of walking, whether in the morning or in the evening. While sports activity is also common in some parts. Other ways in which the park is used includes driving lessons for learners; although the roads inside aren't managed properly for smooth driving (due to the lack of attendance) they still prove enough to teach young drivers how to negotiate a few tight turns.
Fatima Jinnah Park is constructed in small clusters at the moment; some parts are well developed and a favorite among people while others are hardly ever tread upon. One of these aforementioned areas is the Megazone complex. It is a well built area which has a lot to offer to its patrons. The sports area comprises a standard length swimming pool, table tennis tables, and snooker. For those desiring different means of occupying ones time, more contemporary activities include bowling, arcade games, laser tag and other small games. There is a fast-food and dining area as well. Lastly, there is an assortment of different shops on clothes, DVDs, and other accessories.
More recently, a McDonalds fast-food restaurant and an Aeromodelling Club operating inside F-9 Park among other clubs have been ordered by Supreme Court of Pakistan to close down. Yet, as of March 2011 , McDonalds has reopened.[1]
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) which is in charge of the mega project has grand plans for the "sleeping heart" of Islamabad. This is a more pressing concept now that the general public of Islamabad has started taking keen interest in recreational activities. The proposed new outlook of the park will include a mixed variety of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums, and fountains.