Even as the Chennai Corporation is putting in place a plan to spruce up several parks and playgrounds in the city, it faces bitter opposition to its decision to revamp its playground near Conran Smith Road, Gopalapuram.
According to sources, the Corporation wanted to upgrade the playground, creating special provisions for various sports, including football and squash.
The playground plays host to many informal cricket matches, especially during the weekends, when over 100 cricket teams reportedly use the facility.
During the week, at least five teams play at the ground. Around 2,000 cricket players who frequent the playground are upset that no provision has been made for their favourite sport.
Sekar, one of the regular players, says, “The Corporation did not set aside a separate place for cricket. So, cricket players, across teams, protested the move a couple of years ago.”
The Corporation’s plan to set up a dedicated space for football has been thwarted by many cricket teams. Decades ago, the ground had a football club and league matches were conducted. With more cricketers using the ground, football matches decreased. These cricket teams have also opposed the allocation of a separate area for squash.
Saravanan, Team XI Guys Cricket team, says that people from other areas — including Chintradripet, Ice House, Foreshore Estate, Mylapore, Triplicane and R.A. Puram — come here on Sundays to play cricket. Also, children from both private and government schools use this playground. “So, the Corporation should consider all these factors before introducing new games that might not have many takers,” adds Saravanan.
A few cricket teams do not have any problem with provisions being made for other sports as long as they are allowed to play cricket. They have also given an assurance that they will not disturb the people coming to this park for a walk.
Magesh, one of the residents, lauds the revamping initiative, maintaining that facilities have to be created for people from different walks of life and not just for those interested in Cricket. Mala, a senior citizen, who goes for a walk every morning at the park, says: “The playground must be equally divided among all sports. The interests of the children and senior citizens should also be kept in mind.”
Mala, a senior citizen, says, “On a Sunday morning, the playground hardly has any space for walking. Over 2,000 boys will be playing Cricket. Though they play only with a tennis ball, I worry about getting hit. For this reason, I stopped going to the ground for my walks. Instead, I walk down Padmavathy Street near a private school. During the rainy season, the teams would play cricket on the road allowing little space for the public. When questioned, they argue that the playground is clogged with water.”
Several residents think a separate play area for children with playthings is necessary.
Amritha Ravi, a sports enthusiast, says, “The basketball court, tennis court and gym (for men and women) are not being used. I believe the gym for women is being used for table tennis and there is nobody to check this. For reasons unknown, the cement floor laid by the Corporation is now used for skating by children. I think the floor is unsafe for skating.”
S. Kamalakannan, assistant engineer, Division 111, Zone 9, says: “The plan has been approved by the Deputy Commissioner and the estimation of the costs is in process. We will invite the residents associations in and around this area and also the physical education teachers of the nearby schools to tell us about their requirements. We are open to suggestions and would incorporate them, if feasible.”
The plan includes setting up a squash court, walker’s path, skating bay, a separate gym for men and women and a dedicated platform for yoga. The Corporation also plans to plant saplings for enabling yoga practice under the shade of trees. “Moreover, we are looking for volunteers to work as trainers at women’s gym,” says the Councillor.
