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Salam Park Project
RCRC established Salam Park as one of the most important recreational attractions in the vibrant heart of the capital Riyadh. On the fourteenth of the month of Dhu al-Qi’dah 1424 AH, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God support him, the head of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh (at that time), inaugurated the project announcing the launch of one of the largest tourist parks in the capital.
Distinctive geographical location
The Salam Park site was chosen with great care, given the need for a natural and recreational outlet for the community at the heart of the city; the importance of green spaces and water bodies to break the density of buildings and various facilities; and the importance of the park to Riyadh’s status as a livable city. There were also political, economic, and social considerations in promoting the Qasr al-Hukam district as a vibrant heart of the capital.
Salam Park is located adjacent to the Qasr al-Hukam area from the southern side, and extends to a total area of 253,000m2, bordered by King Fahd Road to the west, Madinah Road to the north, Salam Street to the east, and Al-Asha Street to the south. This park was built on the land of the famous ‘Peace Farm’, which was expropriated long ago to be included in the city’s public facilities.
Mature vision
When RCRC supervised the design and implementation of Salam Park it set its sights on the basic idea of the project to create a multi-environment family park, and to take into consideration the integration of the existing elements within the scheme, such as the palm plantation and urban facilities on the site, and to have green spaces and planting that could withstand the climatic conditions of the city of Riyadh.
RCRC also considered the project being integral with King Fahd Road, as the park would contribute to increasing green areas on both sides of the road, reduce pollutant levels from car emissions, and would connect with the ground water collection system on King Fahd Road, which consists of about a thousand wells and contributes, providing a sufficient and flowing water source to irrigate the green areas in the park and supply the artificial lake with its water needs.
Park environments and areas
Salam Park consists of different environments and areas integrate in harmony to provide high levels of entertainment and services for residents and visitors of the capital, the most important of which are:
- Al-Mazra’a: Representing the northern part of the park and includes what remains of the old farm’s palm trees and the fruitful palm trees that were added to it, and their number exceeds a thousand palm trees.
- The Hills: Located at the center of the park, these moderately steep hills are covered with a green carpet of grass. A circular pedestrian path with a length of 1 km passes through most parts of the park.
- The Lake: Located at the center of the southern part of the park and having an area of 34,000m2 and accommodating 110,000 cubic meters of water. The lake was excavated at different depths, with the deepest point not exceeding five meters. The floor of the lake is formed from layers of paved mud and insulating material to conserve water, in addition to the precautions and equipment put in place to ensure the permanent movement of water in the lake to prevent the growth of insects and algae. These precautions include water fountains of various shapes that are illuminated at night, and pumps that generate permanent water currents, as well as the cultivation of plants that limit the spread of algae. The lake is divided into two areas, one for boats and the other for the natural ecosystem.
- Environmental area: The southeastern part of the park is a natural reserve for different types of plants, birds, and animals. Daily guided tours introduce the public to the environmental aspects of this area.
Park facilities and features
The park includes elements that are integrated with each other, including:
- Pedestrian paths: An external paved path surrounds the park. Inside the park is a main circular path with a length of 1 kilometer, and several secondary paths.
- Mosques and chapels: There are two mosques in the park, the first is outside the park wall on Salam Street, and the second inside the park with an area of 460m2 with space to accommodate 500 worshipers, and a chapel for women accommodating 250 worshippers.
- Green spaces: The total area of green space in the park is 125,000m2, and includes 1,250 palm trees, 2,000 trees, 87,000 shrubs, and 38,000 bushes for ground cover.
- Park gates: There are six gates, three of which are main entrances to the park, with two rooms for selling tickets next to each, and the remaining three for services.
- Offices: These include the park management office and the office of the employees of the organization operating the project.
- Toilets: The park features 6 toilets blocks with water coolers.
