News

A NEW RECREATIONAL AREA IN BODRUM

18.10.2023

ARDA KARARKURT PARK INAUGURATED

The inauguration ceremony for the 100th Year Arda Karakurt Park, constructed by the Bodrum Municipality, has taken place.

The 100th Year Arda Karakurt Park & Recreational Area, located on Severcan Street in the Cumhuriyet Neighborhood, organized by the Directorate of Parks & Green Areas of Bodrum Municipality, took place with a significant crowd during its opening.

The opening was attended by Mayor Ahmet Aras, Bahçeşehir Founding Mayor Kemal Aydın, deputy mayors, Cumhuriyet Neighborhood Mukhtar Ahmet Cemil Gündüz, municipal council members, department directors, municipal employees, citizens, children of all ages and members of the press. Among the attendees were also the family of Arda Karakurt, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident at the age of 15 on July 9, 2022, and for whom the park was named.

The opening event featured a clown performance, cotton candy treats and face painting activities to provide children with an enjoyable time in the park and living area, which were created to allow citizens to relax and spend quality time.

A Touching Speech at the Park Opening

Pembegül Başarır, the mother of Arda Karakurt, expressed her deep gratitude for bringing this park to their neighborhood and for honoring her son's memory:

"This is where my son was born and raised, and I requested this from Mr. Mayor. He kindly did not refuse my request. I am very grateful. It is truly beautiful. First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to Mr. Mayor Ahmet Aras, esteemed council members, department directors, municipal employees and all those involved in this project. May God spare any parent from the pain of losing a child; it is an incredibly difficult experience. I come here every day. What I want to emphasize is, please, let's drive carefully, let's not speed excessively, so our children don't meet the same fate. My child became a victim of excessive speed. Let there be no more tragedies like Arda's. My most heartfelt plea to all of you is this."

Following the speeches and the reading of messages from those unable to attend, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and visitors explored the park. The statue of Atatürk placed within the park was met with great enthusiasm by the community.