Adventure park for all planned at Ta' Qali

The old runway in Ta' Qali is to be transformed into an adventure park offering children and adults alike the chance of unwinding in a secure haven.

Spread over 92,000 square metres, the park will be completed in October, just before the families return to the area after the children's summer holidays.

The park, which will cost €700,000 (Lm300,510), is being funded by the Bank of Valletta and the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund, while the playing equipment is being brought over from the US by the American Embassy.

Environment Minister George Pullicino, who launched the project at Ta' Qali yesterday, said work should start in the coming weeks.

"This park is geared for young children, teenagers and even adults, as well as employees who wish to focus on team-building exercises," he said.

The government has reached a management agreement with the Malta Olympic Committee to run and maintain the place, once it's up and running.

US Ambassador to Malta Molly Bordanaro explained that the equipment had been especially chosen for its strength, with several pieces designed specifically for use by children with special needs.

Since the premises of the American embassy were being built close by, Ms Bordanaro said they were committed to beautifying the area through extensive landscaping.

The park will include a climbing area, a children's playground, high-rope courses, a climbing tower and a shallow stream. There will also be two car parks, offering 200 car spaces.

The fourth phase of the project, which will be a water-based adventure park, will follow once the Nissen hunts are replaced with the Ta' Qali artisan crafts centre.

Present for yesterday's event was Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech, Michael Galea, head of the CEO's Office at BOV, and Malta Olympics Committee president Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco.