Ayub National Park is a beautiful public recreational park located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It is spread over an area of 2,300 acres and is named after the former President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan. The park was inaugurated in 1967, and since then, it has been a popular destination for people of all ages to enjoy the scenic beauty and engage in various activities.
Graana.com has prepared a detailed guide on Ayub Park Rawalpindi including its location, history and more.
Location and Accessibility
Ayub National Park is located on Jhelum Road, Rawalpindi, and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. It is located at a distance of approximately 10 km from Rawalpindi Railway Station and 15 km from Islamabad International Airport. Furthermore, the park is easily accessible by public transport, and there is ample parking space available for visitors who come by their vehicle
History and Development
During the British Raj, the park was initially established as the Topi Rakh Park, which served as a popular picnic spot. Later, in 1959, it was transformed into a national park during the reign of Ayub Khan, and the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board was given the responsibility of managing it.
On the other hand, the park featured an open-air theatre, which was the only one in the capital of Rawalpindi at that time and hosted various cultural and social gatherings. Unfortunately, over the years, the park was neglected and almost abandoned in the early 1990s.
In addition, the Army Heritage Foundation assumed control of the park from President Pervez Musharraf in 2001 and spearheaded extensive development work, revitalising the park’s popularity by establishing play areas, jogging tracks, and lawns. Most recently, on November 16, 2021, they inaugurated a ‘Miracle Garden’ at the park, along with a waste recycling plant and chairlift.
Attractions and Facilities
Ayub National Park is a perfect place to spend a day with family and friends. The park offers a wide range of attractions and facilities that cater to the needs of visitors of all ages. Some of the prominent attractions of the park are:
Wildlife Park
Ayub National Park houses a wildlife park that spans over an area of 150 acres. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, bears, deer, and monkeys. The wildlife park is a major attraction for visitors, especially children, who can witness the animals in their natural habitat.
Boating and Fishing
The park has a man-made lake that spans over an area of 80 acres. Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake and catch fish. The park management provides boats and fishing gear to visitors, and the lake is a popular spot for picnics and family outings.
Funland
Funland is an amusement park located within Ayub National Park. Additionally, it features a variety of rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, and swings. Funland is a major attraction for children and teenagers, who can enjoy the rides and games.
Sports Facilities
Ayub National Park has a range of sports facilities, including cricket grounds, football fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The park also has a gymnasium and a jogging track. Visitors can use these facilities by paying a nominal fee.
Picnic Spots
The park has several picnic spots, including grassy lawns, gazebos, and picnic tables. Visitors can bring their food and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Restaurants and Cafes
Ayub National Park has several restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of food and beverages. The restaurants are located in different parts of the park, and visitors can choose from a range of cuisines.
Amusement Park
Ayub Park’s amusement park is a popular attraction among children, offering a range of exciting rides that are sure to thrill and entertain them. The amusement park has several rides, including bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a train ride. The bumper cars are a favourite among kids who love the thrill of crashing into each other, while the Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the park and its surroundings from a height of 50 feet.
Furthermore, the train ride is a fun way for kids to explore the park, with the train passing through the different sections of the park, including the mini zoo and the lake. However, the amusement park is open every day, except on Mondays, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Waste Recycling Plant
To promote sustainable practices and environmental conservation, a waste recycling plant was inaugurated at Ayub Park in November 2021. The plant processes waste generated within the park and converts it into useful products, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Furthermore, the waste recycling plant is equipped with modern machinery and trained staff who ensure the proper segregation and processing of waste. The plant processes biodegradable waste, such as food waste and paper, into compost used as fertiliser for the park’s plants and trees.
Housing Societies Near Ayub Park
Ayub Park is a popular recreational spot located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Over the years, several housing societies have been developed in the vicinity of Ayub Park, providing residents with easy access to the park’s lush greenery and other recreational activities. Here are some of the popular housing societies near Ayub Park:
Bahria Town Rawalpindi
One of the largest and most popular housing societies in Rawalpindi, Bahria Town Rawalpindi is situated just a few kilometres away from Ayub Park. Moreover, the society features several amenities, including parks, shopping centres, schools, hospitals, and a golf course. It also has a security system, making it a safe and secure place to live.
PIA Housing Scheme
Situated near the airport, the PIA Housing Scheme is a well-planned housing society that offers a peaceful and secure living environment. It has several parks and playgrounds, making it an ideal place for families with children.
Askari Housing Scheme
The Askari Housing Scheme is a gated community that offers a luxurious living experience to its residents. Furthermore, it is located near the Chaklala Airport and has a security system, making it a safe and secure place to live.
Gulraiz Housing Scheme
Situated near the Islamabad Expressway, the Gulraiz Housing Scheme is a well-planned society. Moreover, it offers a range of amenities, including parks, shopping centres, schools, and hospitals. It is an ideal place for families with children, as it has several parks and playgrounds.
Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Rawalpindi
Located near the Grand Trunk Road, DHA Rawalpindi is a well-planned housing society that offers a luxurious living experience to its residents. Moreover, it has several parks, shopping centres, schools, hospitals, and a golf course, making it an ideal place for families.
Judicial Colony Rawalpindi
Located near the Bahria Town Rawalpindi, Judicial Colony Rawalpindi is a well-planned society that offers a range of amenities, including parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centres. It is an ideal place for families, as it has several parks and playgrounds.
Furthermore, these are just a few of the many housing societies located near Ayub Park. Each society offers a unique living experience and caters to the needs of different residents. They provide a convenient living environment for those who want to enjoy the recreational activities at Ayub Park while also having access to other amenities and facilities.
Conclusion
Finally, Ayub National Park is a beautiful and well-maintained public park that offers a range of attractions and facilities for visitors of all ages. The park is a perfect place to spend a day with family and friends and to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rawalpindi. Moreover, the park management has taken several initiatives to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, and the park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Rawalpindi or Islamabad.
FAQs
Q: What is Ayub Park?
A: Ayub Park is a public recreational park located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The park is named after the former President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan.
Q: When was Ayub Park established?
A: Ayub Park was inaugurated in 1967.
Q: What are the attractions of Ayub Park?
A: Ayub Park offers many attractions and facilities, including a wildlife park, boating and fishing, Funland (an amusement park), sports facilities, picnic spots, and restaurants and cafes.
Q: How big is Ayub Park?
A: Ayub Park is spread over an area of 2,300 acres.
Q: What are the timings of Ayub Park?
A: Ayub Park is open seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Q: Is there an entry fee for Ayub Park?
A: Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for Ayub Park.
Q: Can I bring my food to Ayub Park?
A: Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their food to Ayub Park.
Q: Is there parking available at Ayub Park?
A: Yes, ample parking space is available at Ayub Park for visitors who come by their vehicles.
Q: Are there any restrictions on photography in Ayub Park?
A: No, there are no restrictions on photography in Ayub Park.
Q: Is Ayub Park safe for children?
A: Yes, Ayub Park is a safe place for children, and several attractions and facilities cater to their needs.
Q: Is Ayub Park wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Ayub Park is wheelchair accessible, and the park management has taken several initiatives to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors with disabilities
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