Is Anyone interested in Lagos Parks?

There is a saying that; Do not take life too seriously,or you will never get out of it alive.But does that apply to Lagosians,and Nigerians,generally if i may ask? I always see the and enjoy the beautiful,greenish and very attractive Parks in Lagos,but its just so hard to see people in such places.Then I think that we Lagosians take life too more serious than taking time off or relaxing in leisure Parks. Please I choose to stand corrected if I am wrong on this observation.Does anyone agree with me on this claim, that we Nigerians(especially Lagosians) hardly find time for relaxation, fun and pleasure or even social time offs in our parks? Is anyone even interested in our parks i ask myself many times. Has the intensity of living,struggling and surviving totally robbed us off this activity? Maybe,maybe not,but i feel I should talk about this observation of mine here.


Parks according my dictionary definition, is a piece of ground,a place in or near a city or town, enclosed and kept for ornament and recreation, leisure and relaxation. It is also any well beautified, neat, reserved area for people to wait, rest, discuss, meet, read or even have a little public function, without infringing on other’s right of free movement or peace.But here in Lagos, I guess our parks are just meant only for its decoration sake and beautification campaign by the state Government.Parks now seems like such a place you could be arrested for if you ever stepped into it, relax there or even lie down on the well trimmed grasses. Or is there any new or existing Lagos State Leisure Parks/Recreation laws or rules that  I don’t know about at all? Why are people in Lagos always keep away from such parks or recreation centres?Is it not free again? Take the Hyde Park in London or the Central Park in New York as good examples of parks I am talking about here,as compared to parks in Lagos. Lagosians have been blessed with such beautiful parks around in almost every places,but its often very difficult to see its full utilization. Security issues apart,I think people of Lagos are so caught up in their hustle and bustle that they don’t remember if these parks are made for them at all.Would it be a crime again to chill out, relax and enjoy fresh air in this parks? Would I have to face the Law or the so many law enforcements guys in the state for visiting parks? Honestly,I wish that there is a law that would be made to arrest and take some people into these parks for simply relaxation or leisure sake. We have totally lost our sense of wonder, enjoyment and appreciating the little beauty of life. So I ask now, should relaxation and resting be confined only to the four walls of our homes?


 Yes,and oh Yes, we have to make money, feed, pay bills, and even buy those luxurious and exotic cars that we drive around in our crazy Lagos roads,but then, what happens to times in the parks with friends, kids and loved ones? Would it be bad if you just feel relaxed,calm, friendly and also be very grateful for Lagos state Government efforts of beautification? Or does it mean that the country’s state has gotten so much grip on us all that we fail to see the usefulness, benefits of developmental and healthy lifestyle that can result from such social investments? Well, I am sitting alone and enjoying the breeze and scenario around me here at the Oshodi Heritage park as I write this piece, and the whole Lagos is up there rushing up into its usual traffic jam. MTN is actually right that, Life is beautiful, especially when you see it from the view from a park, like i do now. Human societies cant survive solely alone on subjection to their BB’s,FB page,Home Theatres, Cinemas and other forms of relaxation.Its high time we as a nation also develop and cultivate our uses of parks habits for a healthier, sound,refreshing mind and spirits amidst our so many national tensions and issues. Don’t you think that will go a long way to reduce stress? 


 And finally,would you say my musings here is out of place? Or do you think we all as social beings don’t have any business relaxing at parks? As a resident of this wonderful city,I feel like pointing out this issue. I think most Lagosians don’t have enough time for parks, recreation or even relaxation. I try so many times myself to defy the Lagos lifestyles of bustling and hustling identity.I go to parks, to recreation centres,Amusement parks and any other good places for relaxation.I remember quite well,in days past that parents take their children to parks, for sight seeing,playing,games,relaxation and what have you?But these days,what do we have?I do often wonder why we don't take advantage of Lagos beautiful parks, it’s exquisite social infrastructures for recreation  and add more value to living and lifestyle of the people in this part of the country.I know Lagos will still be so chaotic, fast, unpredictable and absolutely time conscious, but I just wonder if it will be a crime if Lagosians will just take things easy,relax and enjoy their tax payers money,at least before year 2012 runs out. So go ahead,visit a park and reward yourself for your own contribution to the Mega city.

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