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Residents throng Museum of Islamic Art Park

Several residents, particularly families, thronged the Museum of Islamic Art Park last week to enjoy the fun activities organized there, as part of the official opening of Doha’s latest recreation venue. Located along the museum grounds, and designed by Pei Partnership Architects of New York, the Park is located in proximity to the bay, featuring green spaces for families to relax and enjoy. The children too and have fun time at the playground, which is equipped with bungee jump, bouncy castles, trampolines, swings and other attractions.

A local cultural troupe serenaded the visitors, while children enjoyed watching the magic show, horse riding, donkey and camel rides, face painting and drawing and colouring, all of which were part of the opening events.

There were four large-screen televisions set at various locations in the park, which aired children shows and family programmes.

Among the other features in the Park are the sculpture plaza (250-foot-long and 75-foot-wide) surrounded by water with stairs that rise up from water’s edge and a pedestrian pathway shaded by palm trees stretching 2km.

The pier was created to support Richard Serra’s newly commissioned sculpture titled 7, the first public work by the artist in the Middle East. The 7, Serra’s tallest vertical sculpture till date, is 10 feet wide at the bottom, and nine feet wide at the top, comprising seven steel plates that are 80 feet in height, eight feet wide, and four inches thick.

Another attraction in the park is a small cove, created for water activities such as paddle boat rides. The facility is hoped to open soon, according to MIA Park operations co-ordinator, Robert East.

Visitors to the park also got to enjoy complementary WiFi access. Refreshments are available in a cafe and two kiosks. There are also gift shops selling souvenirs.

"The park is a nice addition to leisure venues in Qatar. It is spacious enough for family outings," said a resident, who spoke to media.

Posted on 11/1/2012