Its All about Parks

A Taste of the Wild

Zimbabwe in the heart of Africa is a huge hit amongst tourists for its throbbing wildlife and its beautiful and natural experience. There is no better way of feeling the pulse of Zimbabwe’s natural beauty except by visiting its various natural parks. Here is a list of a few parks that must be on any tourist’s check – list.

Matobo National Park: The Park lies in the center of the Matobo Hills surrounded by forested valleys in Southern Zimbabwe. The park is high on its botanic diversity, from Paperbark trees to Wild Pear trees, there are around two hundred kinds of trees that are found within the park premises. Along with the flora, there are some rare animal species found here such as Antelopes and Leopards. The park is also perfect for Hikers and climbers and there are some dams where fishing can be carried out.

Victoria Falls National Park: This Park lies along the South and East bank of the Zambezi River and there is more than one reason to visit this park. The view of the Rainforest that grows around the spray of the water fall is breathtaking and has all kinds of plants like Ferns and Mahogany. Tourists will get a chance to view such animals like White Rhino, Antelope and Eland on safari drives. You may also get a rare chance to glimpse a crocodile in the river.

Hwange National Park: This Park is also located very close to the Victoria Falls and is also Zimbabwe’s largest hunting reserve. Whether you are interested in game or not, this is a trip to a park that you must take. With over a hundred different varieties of animal life to view the park is as good as you can get with an African Safari. The park’s population of Brown Hyenas and African Wild dogs is supposed to be the largest in Africa.

Kazuma Pan National Park: This Park is one of the rare places where the Scenery of the plain land of Africa can be viewed and enjoyed. The park is mainly a haven for the birds, but there are also species of animals such as the Giraffe and Cheetah to look out for.

Chizarira National Park: Lying in Northern Zimbabwe, this is one of the largest National Parks in the country. Located on the Zambezi escarpment, there is a vast range of vegetation to admire here.

A Public Park for The Neighborhood

The Portage Park in Chicago is one of the central meeting and leisure points for people in the community, to enjoy an evening stroll, a morning walk or a picnic out with the family. It happens to be one of the largest parks in Chicago and offers a wide array of recreational facilities which include six tennis courts and large playgrounds and paths for natural walks along the park. The park also consists of large soccer and baseball fields. A huge attraction is the area that houses the gymnasium and the cultural arts buildings. Senior citizens also enjoy here with fitness and aerobics classes to stay healthy.

The name of the area, The Portage Park Community Area is derived from the name of the Park itself, and not only this, the park also brought together the community that exists around it, by combining some far flung separate communities. The Park now is the center of all activities for the community, providing athletic and other team sports to be played on its open grounds and other cultural and club activities to be carried out in its special buildings.

Originally the Park had a dirt bottomed natural pond that then blended into a cement bottomed pool, the pond portion used to merge with the hill that existed on the Western side of the Park. In 1932 improvements began to be carried out in the Park. Additional plants were being planted to enhance the natural beauty of the place, fountains started to be constructed and Gateways were being put up. The Park authorities thus removed the original natural pool and replaced it with a kidney shaped pool made of concrete. Workers also renovated the long destructed Rock House that used to exist in the South end of the Park. This House also had its own Goldfish pond and pretty flower patches.

In 1959 further improvements were made and the Kidney Pool was replaced by an Olympic Sized Pool. In 1972, with these facilities available, Portage Park had hosted the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials here. There is also an interactive marine play area that has been specially built for children to enjoy. In the summers therefore, the park is ideal for cooling off, with the pool and a large deck for sunning.

The Park is actually older than all the other buildings that are now around it.