What happens when there is an abundance of free family parks that we could go to in the city, is that we would tend to have a go-to park based on convenience and location and miss on a lot other places. This would be why we did not go to the Equatorial Sundial until very recently, and why, this adjacent park had also been unknown to us.
I am talking about Formal Park in Corniche, Abu Dhabi (Google Maps)
Formal Park is located along Corniche Road, between Najda (Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Otaiba) Street and Muroor (Sultan Bin Zayed the First) Road. We used to always go to the next park, Lake Park the one just after Muroor Road. You see, there are parks at literally the whole stretch of Corniche Road.
The weather was pleasant and the kids and I decided to have breakfast at the park. With no particular one in mind, we eventually found Formal Park. It is huge with lots of open spaces to run about, and trees to get shade from the sun.
There is also a designated barbeque area, one which not all parks have. Perfect for picnics!
There were a few picnic tables scattered around the park. There were no gazebos though, which could be preferred by larger groups who have lots of foods and whatnots brought to the park and where it is easier for groups to gather and bond together.
The absence of gazebos could be compensated by a lot of benches. Although, benches are more suitable for couples or a person just seeking to rest after a long stroll around the park.
There is this big fountain in the middle of the park near the parking area. It is even adorned with bronze (or is it gold) colored birds on top of a rock formation.
Fountains not only add to the beauty of the place, but it also provides a cooling effect especially during the hot months.
A smaller fountain can be found in the heart of the park. It is a smaller one that is in the center-most part of the park, surrounded by more benches where people could just sit and admire the place.
I have to say, this is my favorite spot in the park. It's like a secret garden sans the plants. It's a big square with benches around it, and rooms.
There are pergolas that provided shade from the bright sun, although I can not imagine how it is here during the summer months.
It also has a water feature that gave a relaxing vibe to the area.
I just love this view below showing the partitions and the beautifully lined dates trees providing a beautiful backdrop.
Another treasure in this park that I did not expect is the labyrinth. It adds more fun and adventure for the kids and erhhm, the not so young.
There is a viewing deck in the middle of the maze which is a challenge in itself to get to.
We had to go around the carefully designed hedges -- which is both challenging and fun. The labyrinth may not appear big at first, but you will probably think otherwise after hitting dead end after another.
It is worth the effort once you get to the top as you will be treated to a lush green view, you will almost forget that you are in the desert.
Last but not the least, we have the playground. It is quite new (perhaps just renovated). The board says it is for kids aged 6-12 years only.
The amenities are indeed not for toddlers, but for bigger kids who could climb without any supervision.
There is a swing meant for people of determination, which could accommodate a wheelchair, but it was cordoned off when we were there.
The kids and I had great fun exploring this part park. It is amusingly near the city center yet ironically unknown to us. Makes me wonder, how the other family parks near the Baynunah and Khalidiya area are nowadays... hmmm, perhaps it's time to pay these other parks a visit.
Who knows that hidden treasures we could find!
All photos are owned by the author unless stated otherwise.
