FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH — An estimated 2,250 Iraqi citizens witnessed a step toward a return to normalcy as local officials reopened Jadriya Lake Park in the Karadah District of eastern Baghdad, Aug. 22.
Government officials, security force leaders, contractors, and Soldiers who all worked together to restore the lake and surrounding grounds joined the people in celebrating the successful lake reopening.
Karadah District Council chairman Dr. Mohammed Al Rubeiy, other council members and other local leaders organized and conducted the reopening of Jadriya Lake Park. They planned the event to coordinate with a “Karadah Day” celebration, which infused a lot of food and activities, including art displays, emergency-responder demonstrations, a fun run, swimming and riding Jet Skis.
The Jadriya Lake Park grounds encompass approximately 400,000 square meters, and the lake itself is about 300,000 square meters – more than one-tenth of a mile around, explained Capt. Sean O’Brien. Originally, the lake opened in January 2003, said O’Brien, with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“It is a very large water park,” said Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Allen. "It's a good place for families to go to and just relax and enjoy family time."
Before the park closed, about 50,000 people visited the water park on weekdays and about 250,000 Iraqis enjoyed Jadriya Lake on weekends, estimated O’Brien.
“The results of the project have been phenomenal,” said Maj. Robert Machen. The project isn’t finished, with only two of three phases complete, there are still plenty of great things to come from this project. Some projects of phase three include restaurants, a boat ramp and paddle boats, he said.
Even though Coalition forces attended the Jadriya Lake Park reopening, they represented only a small percentage of security personnel at the event. Iraqi Security Forces provided most of the security, said Machen.
“I am very happy about this successful event,” said Rose Hadag, an Iraqi woman who attended the event. Other Iraqi citizens openly expressed their happiness about the Jadriya Lake Park reopening and shared their hopes that Iraq will continue to grow and improve as it emerges from the shadows of terrorism and fanaticism.