Umm Al Seneem Park, a fitness haven

The Umm Al Seneem Park has become a favourite spot for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers this summer, thanks to its innovative feature that maintains a pleasant temperature on its walking and jogging tracks.Located in Ain Khaled area and a Guinness World Record title holder for the largest air-conditioned (AC) outdoor walking and jogging track of 1.143km (achieved on October 17, 2022), the park offers a refreshing escape from the scorching heat and provides a comfortable outdoor workout experience.The park’s temperature-controlled tracks, open between 3pm and 11pm, provides exceptional venue for those seeking to maintain their fitness routines despite the summer heat.Speaking to Gulf Times, Indian expatriate Albin said he exercises at home during summer but still prefers to do it outdoors: a reason to be thankful for having a beautiful park near his home in Ain Khaled."It’s very convenient because my wife and I can exercise or do brisk walking even in the early afternoon after my work,” he said, describing Umm Al Seneem as a great space to burn calories.While the cold months in Qatar provide pleasant weather for staying fit, Albin said they appreciate the humidity in summer as it gives them the desired level of sweat.This was echoed by Egyptian expatriate Khalid, saying that he loves to walk – at any public park or at the Doha Corniche – during the summer, especially in the afternoon."It’s great to have a place like Umm Al Seneem because I don’t need to drive to far places after office, and here, I can exercise without feeling the heat,” he added.Khalid lauded the country’s efforts in building cutting-edge public parks like Umm Al Seneem and Al Gharafa, along with Oxygen Park in Education City. He hopes that these parks would serve as inspirations for the creation of similar spaces, incorporating the same remarkable features.Several other park-goers shared a similar experience and applauded Qatar for building state-of-the-art facilities that allow people to exercise year-round free of charge.It is learnt that such parks have become not only a place for family-bonding but also a hub for socialising while staying active, bringing together people to pursue a healthier lifestyle."Walking at parks gives me and some of my friends the opportunity to catch up and hang out after a busy week or in some cases, months. I also want to try other places like Al Gharrafa and Oxygen Park for a stroll,” said Sudanese expatriate Youssef.Umm Al Seneem hosts a number of amenities: from toilets and drinking fountains, ample parking areas, and eateries, as well as a fitness box, fitness equipment spread across the park, a dedicated bicycle path, and children’s play areas for young visitors to enjoy.The popularity of these facilities has surged since the introduction of the air-conditioned walking and jogging tracks, solidifying their position as a must-visit destination this summer.The parks’ serene and picturesque surroundings, decorated with lush greenery, further enhance their appeal, in addition to bicycle paths, fitness equipment, children’s play areas, and other amenities.