The massive open space in the north-west of Malta, aptly called Majjistral Park, is an attraction to many who want to take quiet walks in the countryside further embellished with a view of the sea.

It is one of the few as yet untouched pieces of land which allows visitors to breathe clean air while experiencing breath-taking views that stretch all the way to Gozo to the north, and to the hills of Mgarr and beyond to the south.

But there are a few things that could make a visit to this park easier and more enriching.

For one thing, there should be an organised parking area. Haphazard parking in the few spaces that are available mean that some cars end up getting blocked by others, and it is not always easy to find their owner.

The entrance to the park – we’re talking about the one near the scouts camping area – should be more welcoming, and a map of the different trails that one could take should be made available for visitors to plan their stay. The length of the routes should also be indicated to enable hikers to know what they are getting into. For some, it may appear daunting, but for others it is a challenge.

Along the routes where people are walking there should also be markings to show the distance between one place and another. For example, if one is standing at the end of the foot trail which overlooks Golden Bay one should know the distance that needs to be walked to the observation point at the most westerly tip of the park.

The markings need to blend in with the environment. There should also be indications as to what one is looking at – locals know, for example, that in the distance they can see the Red Tower which overlooks Ghadira Bay, but many foreigners are using the park too, and it is likely that they are not well-versed with Maltese landmarks. There could also be some information about the shrubs and plants that are growing in the area.

What is also needed – and this is a matter of safety too – are signs which indicate that people are nearing the cliff drop. There is nothing that warns hikers that they are getting closer to the edge, and that they should be taking precautions so as not to endanger themselves. Many families go there with young children. These signs should be set up in the shortest time possible to avoid tragedies.

What jars with the rest of the surroundings are modern small buildings in Maltese stone, including what seems to be an abandoned reservoir. These have no place there, and the ministry responsible should look into how to remove such aberrations, possibly restoring the area to what it used to be.

The so-called picnic area also needs some touches. A few more benches should be added to enable more families and groups of friends to enjoy themselves having a snack, while more waste-bins should also be made available.

The Majjistral Park is a gem of a place, but it can be improved. That something extra could make the place more attractive, less dangerous, and an educational experience.