Development programs
BIR ZEIT FAMILY PARK AND RECREATION CENTER
Introduction:
There are virtually no parks, playgrounds or recreational centers run by the municipalities in most towns and villages across the West Bank and Gaza. Bir Zeit is no exception. During the summer vacations from school children usually have no place to play outside. There is little chance for enjoying hikes and ventures into the area surrounding Bir Zeit. Teenagers have few places to go that offer meaningful use of their free time . The leisure hours of young people and their families become unproductive and boring .
Play and sports are necessary to maintain physical fitness and good psychological well-being. The children need such activity not only for the present but to heal the wounds of the past years. Instability, violence, turbulence and poverty have the formation years of most Palestinian children and teenagers.
The goal of this project is to provide a much needed place for the community to use as a park and recreation area for families.
There are other facilities connected with the school and church that make it an ideal place for a park . There are a theater and dining room for social events. These are used for weddings and engagement receptions, youth activities, for ladies’ social events, local clubs, etc. The entrance to the theater is next to the entrance of the park.
The school has built a community recreation center for indoor sports. The sports center is only partially furnished with exercise equipment at this point, but the rooms, changing rooms and locker facilities are very nice. Thus indoor recreation area would be available to those coming to the park.
The area has a large parking lot for visitors in front of the church.
All the above described facilities are also used by the school children during the school year. In the summer, the children at the fabulous July Camp also can use the park and school facilities .
LOCATION :
A park is proposed for construction on church owned property adjoining the Latin Church in Bir Zeit.
BENEFICIARIES :
The public of Bir Zeit is invited to use these facilities. The children attending the Latin Patriarchate School will use them during the school year. Special events can be prearranged in advance for those who might want to rent or use the park. The young Adults of the parish can use it when raising funds for their social work in the town.
PARK FACILITIES :
The park will include garden area for enjoyment. A small animal and bird area will be part of the park for small children. There will be park benches and picnic tables. Playground equipment will be installed for children. The area is well shaded and stone or concrete walkways will be provided. The whole area will be fenced for safety. Adult supervision will always be present on the premises. A kiosk will be opened to provide refreshments. It is expected that one or two families will have income from this project. School children can buy refreshments during the school year from the small restaurant.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE PARK :
A park planning specialist from the United States visited for a week and laid out plans and possibilities for the park.
An access road has been prepared outside school and church property.
The area has been partially excavated and leveled.
Some wire and stone fencing is present.
The theater side has been prepared and that impressive entrance is complete.
FUTURE WORK NEEDED ON THE PARK :
Further excavation and fencing must be done.
Walkways must be installed.
The park needs to be furnished with playground equipment, picnic tables and benches.
Kitchen area needs to be prepared for serving food to the public. The kitchen needs water, floors, doors, windows, electricity, cabinets, refrigerator and stove.
MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK :
A Committee will take over the family center, for administration and supervision of most functions. A family or maybe two will have the opportunity to work in the kiosk and earn an income from serving refreshments in the park, the recreation center and sports room. An attitude of fairness in making decisions concerning use of this park will be a paramount characteristic of the committee members. The people must feel that it is their park and they are all responsible for its continued existence once opened. It is understood that the parish priest may always be a part of decisions.
The income from the center will be spent by the local committee on upkeep of the park, social programs for the area such as support for the elderly, medications for the indigent, and scholarships for needy students at the university .