Ban on sitting on grass upheld in Salé park

A rule prohibiting people from sitting or walking on the grass in a popular green space in Salé, Morocco, continues to be enforced. The area, located near the Hassan II Bridge and overlooking the Bou Regreg river, attracts many local residents in the evenings.

The company responsible for the park's maintenance is ensuring visitors use the provided wooden benches or bring their own seating on paved areas. This regulation was implemented after the park, which opened about a year ago, became a site for communal cooking, negatively impacting its intended function as a public green space.

Authorities justify the ban by emphasizing the need to maintain the park's overall appearance and protect its green areas from damage, especially given the high number of visitors. Supporters of the rule argue that such strict measures are necessary to preserve the park's aesthetics and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

However, the decision has also faced opposition. Critics argue that the entire space should be accessible to visitors for maximum enjoyment, and they call for improved facilities, including restrooms and more trash receptacles. Similar restrictions are also in place in other green parks in Rabat, which have previously sparked debate among city council members.