A tragic incident occurred in Government Colony, Depalpur a couple days ago. Six year old Zumar went to a park like countless children do every evening to play, run and climb. He and his friends were trying to climb a monkey bar that had become dilapidated over time and merely needed a push to collapse. The monkey bar broke, fell on his neck and inflicting fatal injuries ended the life of a child who had simply gone to play in a park. Little did Zumar know that a seemingly harmless recreational actwould take his life.

Parks are often used as decorative municipal amenities to attract property buyers, but they serve a more important purpose for children. For them it is a place for physical activity, for forming new bonds and friendships. It is a place where their creativity and imagination find new dimensions. Park is a place where their character develops.

It is a place where they develop emotionally, learning cooperation and conflict resolution.

Yet, while the importance of parks to childhood is undeniable, the condition of........

© Pakistan Observer