As the weather in Doha continues to get cooler, more families are taking the time to enjoy themselves outdoors, with the Aspire Park proving a particularly popular destination at the moment. Throughout the past week of Eid al-Adha holidays, the park has seen crowds of people visiting to relax and take pleasure in the surroundings. Yesterday, the park was full of families sharing picnics, playing games and generally soaking up the atmosphere at one of the most scenic locations in the country. Families of all nationalities filled the park where children raced around on bicycles and scooters, flew kites, played football and cricket and other games on the grassy areas. With free wireless Internet available throughout the park, many visitors were also taking the chance to check their e-mails and catch up with friends abroad while in the open air. As darkness fell upon the park, the lights around the lake created a different ambience, with families and friends seated outdoors to share dinner in the early evening. Filipino couple, Steve and Jen explained that they were enjoying their second visit to the park, and said that they intended to come back to the area on a regular basis. “We wanted to come here and spend some time making some memories,” said Steve, explaining that the couple were heading back to the Philippines for a holiday in a few weeks and wanted to take some mementos with them. “We have just been walking around the park taking photographs of some of these beautiful spots,” said Jen, adding “we think this is one of the very best places in Doha.” Indian expatriate, Giriraj Garg who recently relocated to Doha from Dubai, said he has been particularly impressed with the park, which is one of his favourite places to spend spare time. “This is one of the most beautiful parts of Doha in my opinion,” he said, adding “my family is really enjoying their time here.” He explained that he usually visits the park every fortnight with his family, where they relax and enjoy the surroundings together. “It’s really clean and well maintained around here, and even though there are a lot of people, it doesn’t feel too crowded at all,” he said. He claimed that the park reminds him of spending time in parks in his home country of India, and added “the children specially enjoy it here.” Egyptian expatriate, Mansour expressed similar sentiments, explaining that this was only his first visit to the park, but would certainly not be his last. “I am so glad we decided to come and spend the afternoon here,” he said, “my friends told me about this place, but I have never had the chance to come until now.” “But we will try and come here whenever we can. It is very beautiful here,” he added. Another visitor, Gareth Lewis said: “I think it’s a fantastic place for people to go! I’m glad Qatar made it public, and I think it’s a nice bit of greenery for all, and very attractive on the eye.” Without a doubt the park is one of the most beautiful spots to spend a day outdoors in Qatar, and the diverse collection of people enjoying their time yesterday was an indication of the fact that the public are embracing the relatively new location. http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=399747&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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