He added that to encourage customers, the park was working on ensuring a secure environment.
Due to the lack of patronage, Ezeolisah said he had to reduce his workers and review his staff structure. He further said that despite the reduction in the entry fee and price of games to encourage patronage, customers still complained about the price, adding that the economic situation was a huge factor affecting the business.Gadgets can’t replace visits to amusement parks – Parentsthat he took his children to recreational centres after the lockdown was lifted and parks were opened for business.Ejiro added, “I am sure that if you ask kids themselves they will tell you the same thing.
“They get home and are indoors till the next day and are probably too tired by the weekend or have assignments etc. They end up their young lives being indoors, then they begin to indulge more and curiosity makes them explore the Internet, watch more kinds of stuff that unconsciously shape their minds.”
She added, “Video games and other virtual gadgets engage a child in an all-round growth and development. However, physical engagement, healthy activities and play, handling, seeing and feeling things in 3D help them intellectually. Natural engagement with their environment is key because they will grow to be responsible for it.
He stressed that the issue of insecurity also limited the interaction of children with their peers, arguing that peer socialisation was important for a child. Ifeanacho lamented the state of the current housing structure that no longer put in cognizance playgrounds and gardens that would foster socialisation and play for children.
He added, “First of all, don’t let them out of your sight. In cases where you have hyperactive children, barricades that would prevent the child from moving outside your reach should be put in place. For the older children, you would always advise them to stay together under the supervision of another adult or parent. The park managers must have security measures that are child friendly. Closed-Circuit Television cameras can be installed so that people can play safely and return to their homes.
“Let us have a life that can encourage us to appreciate the value of establishing relationships with people without suspecting everybody. If you watch the society we are now in, parents don’t want to even accept smiles from outsiders such that if you smile at a little child, the parent comes immediately to block the view.