The pedestrian underpass from Corniche to Souq Waqif. PIc: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula
DOHA: The underground parking at Souq Waqif has become a boon to motorists while the public park located on top of it has been attracting large number of families during weekends.
The facility with a capacity of more than 2,000 parking spaces saves motorists time and effort. Before, motorists used to roam for long time on the Corniche looking for parking space especially on Friday evenings.
The underground parking which opened last year has subways connecting the Corniche and Souq Waqif as both places are at walking distance from the facility. It plays a great role in reducing traffic congestion in this area.
It is a pay parking area but charges are literally a peanut which is QR4 for hours-long parking.
The public park has a beautiful garden equipped with various games for children of all ages. It also has fountains as well as entertainment, sport and sitting areas. The facility remains open till late at night. It has a cafeteria selling tea, coffee, juices and candies for children on check prices.
With pleasant weather, Souq Waqif multi-use facility (parking cum-park) pulled a huge crowd last weekend. Families were found sitting at places watching their children play even after 12 midnight. Families were spotted walking in the park carrying rugs and chairs till 1.30am.
“It is a fantastic place, I discovered the facility by chance,” Abu Mohamad, a visitor at the Souq Waqif, told The Peninsula. “On a crowded evening, I drove along Corniche with my family looking for a parking space. I was forced to come back to the Souq area. I lost hope and decided to go somewhere else. As soon as I took a turn I saw an arrow on a signboard leading to the parking,” said Abdu Mohammad, a father of three from Pakistan.
“I am a frequent visitor to Souq Waqif Park on weekends. My children are very fond of this place. They play for hours. We can stay here till late night unlike in some parks that open water taps for irrigation by 12 midnight,” said Abdullah, a father of two.
“My younger daughter, two years old, is waiting for a long time for her turn at the swing. Most small children are fond of swing. I think it would be better if authorities could install more swings to cut the waiting time,” said Abdullah.
“The parking lot is very big and I have never found it full. Several automated pay-parking areas were installed to offer convenience to visitors. I have never paid more than QR4 regardless of the parking duration. I think the charge is QR4 per visit,” said another visitor.
“I came here with my friends because I like this place. We often take tea (chai karak) from the cafeteria which also serves coffee and fresh juices. This cafeteria is one of the few where fresh sugarcane juice is available,” said Rami, an Arab single worker.
“We have only this size of bottled water. We are allowed only to sell this size. The cafeteria is strictly monitored by the authorities concerned,” a salesman at the cafeteria at Souq Waqif Park said when asked for a bigger bottle of water.
