Afra Forest Park

Afra Forest Park is one of the largest and most important green spaces in southern Tehran. It lies in District 19, at the start of the road leaving Tehran toward Qom, next to the Persian Gulf Freeway and Azadegan Expressway. Covering about 66 hectares, the park was built in 1385 (2006 CE) to expand green space in the southern part of the capital and to give residents and travellers a pleasant place to rest. Its location means that, besides people from the surrounding neighbourhoods, travellers heading toward Qom, Shahr-e Rey and other major pilgrimage sites also stop here to rest. With a variety of trees such as maple, pine, cypress and poplar set within a wide expanse of greenery, the park has become one of the "lungs" of south Tehran.

In terms of facilities, Afra Forest Park is one of the better-equipped parks in this part of the city. Visitors can use walking paths about three kilometres long, sports grounds, a football pitch, children's play areas, gazebos, a prayer room, restrooms and platforms for temporary overnight stays. The nearby Shohada-ye Resalat sports complex also offers indoor sports. Thanks to its good layout and open spaces, the park is a good choice for daily exercise, family picnics and even short-term camping. The extensive greenery and flower beds add to its visual appeal and make it a pleasant place to spend leisure time.

To reach Afra Forest Park, you can take Azadegan Expressway or the Persian Gulf Freeway and enter the park through the entrance via Jahad Square. It is also accessible by public transport via Abdol-Abad metro station or the bus stops in Shahrak-e Resalat. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and the park is better suited to recreational activities. Because the park is in an urban setting, practising responsible nature tourism plays an important part in preserving this green space: keep the park clean, use the designated areas for lighting fires, and respect the public space.