Two years ago, a Dhaka Tribune special report covered the lack of recreational spaces in our capital, and the detrimental effects it has had on our society, especially our children.
It is no doubt a matter of some disappointment that, over the last few years, the number of parks and fields in Dhaka has shrunk, to the point that certain areas have no access to such spaces.
Even the ones which exist, they are either too far away for many, overcrowded, being taken over by construction, or have fallen in disrepair, leaving them unusable for many.
In his regard, the recent plans by Dhaka North City Corporation to revamp 26 parks and playgrounds are definitely worthy of praise. And the fact that the plans are being drawn up, keeping people of different ages in mind, is definitely a step in the right direction.
However, such plans should not be exclusive to just one part of the city. As the aforementioned report discovered, the effects of a lack of recreational spaces are multifarious and far-reaching.
Research has consistently shown how open spaces improve both the psychological and physical health of a population, and they are especially important for children and their continued development.
Furthermore, they provide a welcome boost to the environment, improving the eco-system, increasing the value of neighbourhoods, and providing a small boost to tourism as well.
With more and more people confined to the walls of their own homes, it has become a necessity that authorities prioritize the need for open spaces in the capital and let our children run free.
