In the mist of abundant tress, vegetation, we have little play grounds for our children. Angela says create more recreational facilities

IMPORTANCE OF LEISURE PLACES IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Being cooped up home can be a total bummer when there isn’t any form of entertainment. We do not get to make time for ourselves due to the pressures of work and its demands. If and when you decide to take time off your hectic schedule to relax in a place other than your home, what are your options?

Long beach walks, having a meal at a local restaurant, trips and treks in encountering wildlife, casual retreats, corporate walk and excursions are among the ways people release stress. The relevance of leisure places cannot be overemphasized. Rarely do people jump at the opportunity of having to sit long hours in a bus just to have fun, for them it’s as much laborious as having to remain locked up in the office. ‘’ Can the fun get any closer to us?”

Well the answer is yes it can. While others prefer sleeping it off or having friends come over to create their own fun, the most visited places during holidays are the malls and beaches, primarily due to its close proximity. Food outside home becomes the leisure. Parks and gardens can and as a matter of fact go a long way in fostering good relations in our communities.

Having to live with kids who have boundless energy and are obnoxious can be quite a handful. Children are very hyperactive and curious breeds. Their desire to play around, fish out reasons for why things are the way they are, poking and probing tendencies lends credence to how important leisure and recreational facilities are. Parks to play on and explore in this regard doesn’t only take the tantrums off the backs of parents but also leads the kids to have an affinity with some children in the neighbourhood. In the same light, it is subsequently bound to initiate camaraderie amongst parents who hitherto were minding their own business.

Sadly, parks and gardens in Ghana are literally a shadow of their former selves. It has been left to the vagaries of the weather to deal heavily on it. The Afua Sutherland Park in Accra is screaming for renovation and investors. It is occasionally patronised when funerals and fun fairs for kids are organised, the aftermath of the activities are nothing to write home about. Astros Park and Lizzy sports complex which are a private entities have taken the shine of government owned parks due to their dedication and prim ways of taking care of the park.

Growing up in a compound home with extended family, as children we created our own fun and leisure as our parents were too busy working to consider a family day out. Holidays were just like any other day. Sometimes we sneaked out to attend funfairs organised in the vicinity. We never understood why we had to create and find our own fun.

Fast forward few years now, we understand the travails of adulthood. Having so much responsibilities leaves little times to bask in the sun. The distressing and rejuvenating essence of leisure and recreational centres are quite laudable. It is plausibly the one sure way of getting so much done. Paradoxically, relaxing and taking time off work builds not only your resilience but gives you an edge over a grumpy and stressed colleague.

Recreational facilities are just as important as amenities littered across our country. Boredom, depression, lack of productivity is what we are likely to deal with if leisure facilities are not made readily available.

Angela Ashong - Journalist with PE News GH