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Lakes (Al Buhirat) Park Project
Al-Ha’ir Lakes are considered a major part of the Al-Ha’ir Reserve, which covers an area of about 38 square kilometers. It is also the final outlet for the water drained from Wadi Hanifa and enjoys an environment rich in diversity of flora and wildlife, in addition to being one of the annual stops for migratory birds in the region.
Environmental rehabilitation
Environmental rehabilitation
The Lakes Park project is located at the end of the Wadi Hanifa catchment basin in the south, at approximately 32km from the city center of Riyadh. The combined first, second, and third phases of the project cover a total developed area of 13 km2.
The project is part of the environmental rehabilitation program for Wadi Hanifa and its tributary valleys and is part of efforts by RCRC to prepare the park for investment and improve accessibility for residents and visitors of the city of Riyadh, in addition to restoring its main role as a drain for the city’s flood waters.
The project included the refinement of torrential streams, the reorganization of lakes in the form of a natural lake with an area of 315,000m2, the construction of permanent water channels with a length of 14 km, in addition to the environmental treatment of each of the lakes and the Al-Ha’ir Dam basin by removing random vegetation and cleaning the bottom of Residues formed over the past decades.
Project Elements
Visitor Center
The project included the development of a 20,000-square-meter plaza and a 4,000-square-meter visitor center, housing administrative offices, cafés, restaurants, retail outlets, and restrooms to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for all visitors.
Lakes Park Gate
The project also includes the Al-Ha’ir Lakes Park Gate, situated at the end of the Wadi Hanifah stream and covering 54,000 m². It comprises 22 towers, each rising 20 m, with a design inspired by the surrounding landscape. Stone accents line the roadsides and tower bases to enrich its appearance. A comprehensive lighting system highlights the gate’s key architectural features.
Facilities and Landscaping
The project also includes the creation of two artificial islands within the lakes and the construction of five bridges over the water channels. It involves the planting of 7,310 trees across the site, the re-coordination of service lines and public utilities, and the development of a 2 km-long paved area running parallel to the lake. Additionally, the project features 20 km of local roads, 18 km of pedestrian gravel paths, 250 informational and directional signboards, 246 rest areas for hikers, parking facilities for 2,014 vehicles, and nine public restrooms.
The project supports the general rehabilitation of the area in line with the comprehensive plan for the development of Wadi Hanifa and the environmental rehabilitation plan for the lakes’ area.
