There is no bigger pleasure for parents than to see their children happy and enjoying themselves.

And this was the overall feeling this weekend when the water park for children was opened in Buġibba by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino.

The sheer delight on the children’s faces as they splashed about in the safe environment was evident, and all through our hot summer one expects to see the same scenario every day.

The project did not cost much - €600,000 we were told – and this no doubt will encourage the government to seek other sites where similar parks should be erected.

There are different areas for children depending on their age, and the water that is being used is not wasted because it is recycled. It forms part of a bigger project for the St Paul’s Bay and Qawra area which is set to add to the attractions that already exist there.

The Buġibba water park is however only one of a long list of projects that the Resources Ministry has implemented over the past four years. To mention a few, the Adventure Park at Ta’ Qali, the Nature Park in Xrobb l-Għaġin, the Bonello du Pui Garden in Sliema and the St George’s Square in Valletta. These are perhaps the major projects that were undertaken, but there were many others which might not have received so much media attention, but which nonetheless made a difference to our landscapes.

More is to come, because the Ta’ Qali adventure park is set to grow, and work is under way at Marsascala to created what will be one of the biggest recreational open spaces on the island.

It is known that unfortunately Malta is one of the most densely populated places in the world, and therefore every inch of open space needs to be used properly. The fact that the government continues to identify areas which could be converted into recreational open spaces is a feather in its cap.

The Buġibba Park will be used all throughout summer and its opening times are restricted. What we hope for is that it will be used properly and that all efforts have been taken for it not to become a target for vandals.

The government must also ensure that, once the summer season is over and the park is closed between October and June, the park remains protected and well-maintained for it to be re-opened in the same splendour when next summer arrives.