RIYADH: Salam Park, the newest park in Riyadh, attracted thousands of visitors on the first day of Eid Al-Adha on Friday. Centrally located near the Masmak Fort is destined to be a hit with city residents.

Visitors are particularly attracted to the large central boating and fishing lake and the profusion of lush grass and trees.

“With its green landscaping and artificial lake with colorful boats, this park reminds me of Qanateer Park in Cairo,” said Fathi Bayoumi, a visitor from Egypt.

Camping out for the day with his family, he said that he had to arrive early at the park to avoid the rush.

“I had to come early to secure a parking space and to claim a good corner in the park for my family, where I can enjoy with Eid cuisine, fresh air from the lake and soothing breeze from the park trees,” he said.

“The park even offers the Eid visitors opportunity for fishing,” said Rashid Saad Al-Mehaizi, park project manager, who was in hand to help the crowds.

Al-Mehaizi said that about 10,000 visitors came to visit the park Friday.

“We are providing satisfactory services in terms of cleanliness and healthy environment,” said the park official, adding that entry for the elderly and the disabled was free. “We also provide fishing equipment in the park as part of the entertainment program.”

The park facilities include four prayer buildings, bathrooms, snack kiosks, and 300 car parking spaces.

It is essentially a family area and children are well catered to. Horses and donkeys provide rides for children and several play areas with swings, slides and climbing frames are on hand for the energetic. There is even a miniature train for a round-the-park ride.

“I like this fantastic view,” said Velma Robert, a Filipino nurse from Pampanga, who was taking pictures.

“I will share them with my friends and relatives through my Facebook,” she said, a big smile on her face.

“I’ve never seen this in Riyadh before and because we always spend our time in malls I am really excited to come here for the first time as if I am somewhere in the Philippines,” she said.

“The park gives us freedom in terms of social mingling and movement,” added Velma.