YANBU — The Lake Park stands out as one of the distinctive tourist destinations where holidaymakers can spend quality time on its banks in the historic city of Yanbu surrounded by its natural beauty. The Royal Commission of Yanbu opened the lake to the public in 2014. The industrial city of Yanbu is the first smart city in the Kingdom and is located west of Madinah, overlooking the Red Sea. Resembling a natural location, the lake provides an ideal environment, a breather and a tourist destination for families and visitors with its waterfalls, lush green grass, wonderful night lighting, green landscape, waterfront, walkways and children's playgrounds, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The lake is situated in the industrial city, 3 km from the Red Sea, along Mina Street next to the Equestrian Center. It stands adjacent to the iconic monument statue, where visitors can enjoy a stroll down the purpose-built walkways. This artificial lake is designed in the same pattern of natural lakes in terms of area and surrounded by palm trees and various types of trees at irregular distances. There are two separate islands to simulate the natural environment and create balance in all parts of the lake. One of these islands is connected outside the lake with a pier while the other one is entered through a wooden bridge. The park has a bird garden that attracts migratory birds. It is an ideal picnic destination for all the family and attracts many visitors looking to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and cool breezes. The greeneries surrounding the lake are spread over an area of 21276 square meters, consisting of a total of 373 trees and palm trees and around 1590 shrubs. There are also different areas that are designated for the enjoyment of picnickers on the banks of the lake and the wonderful atmosphere that surrounds the place, while four small waterfalls with wonderful night lighting have been installed, in addition to a walkway that extends over the entire lake. There are parking lots for 172 cars, of which eight are designated for people with special needs. The lake, which is spread over an area of 2,982 square meters, was used to take advantage of its nature and the surrounding elements such as the green belt and the green surfaces that cover all parts of the lake. The fountains in the middle of the lake form a breathtaking natural landscape as it constantly is replenished with water. This also provides the necessary oxygen to fish, turtles, and birds that inhabit the lake and between the branches of their various trees and plants. The lake is protected from pollutants as it has two fountains serving a twin purpose of providing a scenic landscape of water flow, as it is used for ventilation with water moving constantly to avoid stagnation and replenishing water while providing the necessary oxygen to fish and birds.
