The Chennai Corporation has ambitious plans for many playgrounds across the city. With provisions for various sports — notably, football, tennis, volleyball, basketball and badminton — these playgrounds are expected to be transformed. However, some of them still score low on basic facilities.
Trustpuram Playground
Located on Puliyur Road in Kodambakkam, this playground hosts many a cricket match on Sundays. It does not provide as much of a fertile soil for other sports to grow.
That, however, is not the immediate concern. The toilets inside the playground are lying unused. The playground is poorly lit, which may allow it to be misused at night. During the day, the ground is used by those learning to drive a motorised vehicle. When it rains, the playground gets waterlogged, making it difficult for people to walk.
What do people say? Sowmya, one of the regulars, wants steps to be taken to keep those learning to ride bikes away from the playground. People have been effectively prevented from learning to drive cars. Vasundhara, a senior citizen, says an exclusive women’s gym is a must. At present, an exclusive men’s gym functions at the facility.
If not a new gym, the Corporation can at least chalk up separate timings for women. Raghavan, a sports enthusiast, welcomes the plan to create separate areas for football, volleyball and other sports . Srinivasan, a jogger, says provision should be made for supplying drinking water, especially to senior citizens.
What does the councillor say? S. Sakthi, councillor, ward 112, has promised to look into all these problems and give priority to the establishment of an exclusive gym for women. The Corporation is trying to find a suitable place for the same.
Jafferkhanpet Playground
Located in Jafferkhanpet, near West Saidapet, this playground is also mainly used for playing cricket and is plagued by similar problems — poor lighting, lack of walking space, unused toilets, dumping of construction debris and garbage on the corners and water-logging during monsoon. On the positive side, it has a gym that is equipped with many of the latest equipment. A treadmill, introduced recently at the gym, is a big draw. The Corporation has spruced up the gym and replaced faulty equipment.
What do people say? Bhuvana, a local resident, says setting up an exclusive gym for women would be welcome. Alternatively, separate timings could be announced for women to train at the gym. Raman, a regular, says the stink from the unused toilets is unbearable and the playground is marred by garbage and debris that are dumped there every day. Some people use the unused bathroom at night to drink.
What does the councillor say? Vatchala, councillor, Ward 139, says there does not seem to be many takers for a women’s gym. So far, I have not received any request for setting up such a facility. If there is a notable demand, we’ll take a decision on the matter. With regard to dumping of debris, we have got permission and we are clearing the wastes on a regular basis. Also, steps are being taken to rebuild the toilets with fresh water connections.
Somasundaram Playground
Located on Rama Street, near Bazullah Road, T. Nagar, this playground witnesses a huge crowd of cricket enthusiasts on Sundays. They come from various localities. Even residents of localities such as Thousand Lights, Triplicane and Gopalapuram, who have access to other playgrounds, visit Somasundaram playground on days when they face shortage of space at those grounds. It is plagued by the common problems that beset most playgrounds: poor lighting and water stagnation. However, the most striking issue is the size of its gym. Compared to the gyms in most other playgrounds, the one at Somasundaram playground is considerably small. And, it has only old equipment, many of which are faulty. Despite this, the park has created two gymnasts who have won awards; they have practised only at this gym. Several representations have been made for creation of additional space for the gym . The entrance of the park is used as public convenience by the passers-by and raises a horrible stink.
What do people say?
Paramasivam, a volunteer at the park, says, “We warn those who urinate here, but are mostly helpless. Corporation officials have to take steps to put an end to this. A few regulars say the gym needs to be expanded along the lines with which the one in Trustpuram and in Jafferkhanpet were. The faulty equipment must be replaced. A treadmill should be provided. Here too, there are several requests for an exclusive women’s gym.
What does the councillor say?
‘Video’ V. Saravanan, the councillor, ward 136, says the playground has been provided with a rainwater harvesting system. Based on the requirements of the locals, we are also planning to create a walking area, a yoga stretch and give the playground a greener look by filling a part of it with ornamental grass.
