Abu Dhabi plans to create 'People's Park'

A women-only park in Abu Dhabi is set to be transformed into a "people's park", with a museum and petting zoo being added.

Developer Seba Properties has announced the redevelopment of Mushrif Park, which will be renamed Mushrif Central Park.

Originally opened in 1982 to serve as a park for women and children, it was widely agreed that its attractions and facilities needed to be updated.

Ahmed D Dagher Al Marar, vice chairman of Al Ain Group, holding company of Seba Properties, said an interactive children's museum and petting zoo, water features and fountains would be added, along with 3km of walking and jogging trails.

"We are honoured to be given the opportunity of revitalising this park. Mushrif Central Park will become a focal point for all of the community to experience and enjoy. It will be truly a People's Park," he added.

There will also be a botanic garden and shade house, a performing arts centre and sculpture garden.

Plans are already in place to ensure that more than 250 broadleaf and palm trees will be removed from the site, stored and replanted in the redeveloped park.

Over 10 percent of the park will be re-vegetated with indigenous and naturalised species.

The new masterplan for Mushrif Central Park has been prepared by one of the leading international landscape designers ValleyCrest Design Group.

Detailed plans will be unveiled by Seba Properties at Cityscape Abu Dhabi next week.