The Ladies and Children Park located near Nursery Chowk in the University of Peshawar was once a vibrant recreational facility for families, women, and children. For decades, it provided a safe and peaceful environment where women, children, teachers, employees, and their families could walk, exercise, relax, meet neighbours and colleagues, and strengthen the sense of community that has long characterized the educational institutions of Peshawar.
Few years ago, the park was closed due to concerns regarding unrestricted public access and the resulting security and privacy issues for women and children. While such concerns deserved attention, the complete closure of the park has deprived thousands of residents of an important recreational space.
Today, the park remains largely neglected. Overgrown vegetation, lack of maintenance, and the presence of stray animals have transformed what was once a beautiful green space into an underutilized area. A valuable public asset is being wasted at a time when open recreational spaces are becoming increasingly scarce in the university campus.
The need for such a facility is greater than ever. Many women, children, and elderly residents spend much of their time indoors due to the lack of safe and accessible recreational spaces. During the long summer evenings, families often have limited opportunities for outdoor activities. Children are increasingly confined to mobile phones, television screens, and other indoor entertainment, while opportunities for healthy physical activity continue to decline.
A well-maintained park would provide numerous social, physical, and psychological benefits. It would encourage walking, exercise, outdoor play, and healthy lifestyles. It would also help reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing, and provide a refreshing environment amidst the pressures of modern life. For children, parks offer opportunities for physical development, creativity, and social learning. For women and senior citizens, they provide a secure and comfortable space for recreation and community engagement.
Beyond its recreational value, the park served as a social meeting point where female residents of the campus community could interact in an informal setting. Such interactions help strengthen social ties, reduce social isolation, promote mutual understanding, and foster a stronger sense of belonging among members of the academic community. Educational institutions thrive not only through classrooms and offices but also through spaces that bring people together.
In the absence of a functional park, many women are compelled to walk along nearby roads that are narrow and without footpaths. This not only diminishes the quality of their recreational experience but also poses avoidable safety hazards. A reopened park would offer a secure and comfortable alternative.
The solution is straightforward. The University of Peshawar administration should consider reopening the park with proper management and controlled access. Entry cards or passes may be issued to the campus residents, employees, students, and their families from the educational institutions of the campus. Regular monitoring can ensure that the park remains safe, well-managed, and family friendly.
Rehabilitating and reopening the Nursery Chowk Ladies and Children Park would transform a neglected space into a valuable community asset once again. At a time when cities are struggling to preserve green spaces and promote healthy lifestyles, restoring this park would be a meaningful investment in the wellbeing of thousands of women, children, senior citizens, teachers, and employees associated with Peshawar’s premier educational institutions.
The concerned authorities are urged to give serious consideration to this proposal and restore this important facility for the benefit of present and future generations.
The author is a Professor in the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar.
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