The early morning finds it peppered with joggers plodding uphill and then relishing a hot cup of tea; the evenings find its pond surrounded by eager children throwing breadcrumbs and chips to the ducks; nightfall sees couples and families in cars in its parking lot sipping steaming coffee from tiny cups or munching on crunchy pani puri.
Situated on a hilltop surrounded by the residential area of P.E.C.H.S, Karachi, the sprawling premises of Hill Park is an ideal retreat where one can find solitude, as well as fun and frolic.
The locality had a queer physical feature in the form of a hill and so it was decided to create a park there in 1968. The board which was erected while construction of the park proceeded, reads, “Yahan hill park baney ga (Hill Park will be built here)”, the year 1969 saw the completion of this project.
The park was a hot picnic spot right from the time it opened its wrought iron gates to the public. A lot of local drama scenes were also shot here which added to its glamour. Before the 1980s, at a time when entertainment venues were scarce, a movie projector would play classic Pakistani movies in the park, which youngsters as well as adults enjoyed under the canopy of the star-lit sky.
Apart from lush gardens and swings for the young, the park also offers a steep climb to the topmost peak of the hill which presents a hawk`s-eye view of the jungle of buildings which make up the metropolis of Karachi. If you are seeking privacy with a friend or family member, the quieter places in the park offer you even that. Waiters discreetly propose to bring you tea and drinks at the oddest of spots there.
Over the decades, a multitude of changes have taken, however, one attraction which continues to draw in the children is the pond with assorted species of ducks right in the middle of Hill Park. If you are one of those whose idea of entertainment is incomplete without a bite to eat, then fear not, there is an array of restaurants, canteens and vendors scattered over the park to appease your taste buds.
An amusement park on the park grounds which was called the “Mairaj Amusement Park” and later dubbed the “Ali Baba Theme Park” is today popular as Fun City. This amusement area offers coin rides for the little ones and delightful merry-go-round and rotating teacup rides. For the more adventure-seeking bunch, there is even a whizzing rollercoaster ride, dodging cars and other exciting rides and video arcade which are sure to make your adrenalin pump. The amusement park ambience is completed by the lively music, cotton candy, ice cream and hot popcorn which are readily available.
Although the place around the park is busy in its everyday hassle bustle, the scenic beauty cannot be denied; so pack your bag and have fun with your family this weekend.
