It is perhaps the only popular entertainment and recreation park in the city. But, owing to official apathy, a dried-up water fountain and damaged theme-based entertainment enclosures greet visitors at the Rajiv Gandhi Park.
Spread across nine acres, the park has green lawns, walkways, skating ground and trees.
However, not many people prefer to visit the park.
In the past, there was a video game enclosure, gun-shooting stall, musical water fountain, swings and slides for children, but all of them are either damaged or shut for reasons better known to the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) authorities.
It is only the skating rink and the toy train that continue to draw visitors to the park.
The VMC cannot wash its hands off the matter by making tall claims of setting up green lawns and flower plantations.
Water fountain defunct
A musical water fountain was set up in the park at an investment of Rs. 15 lakh, but it has been defunct for the past six months.
“The authorities should come up with innovative ideas to facilitate visitors, especially families to visit the park,” says Rajendra Prasad, a student and a regular visitor.
Faced with criticism, the VMC finally decided to introduce entertainment facilities, including Merry Go Round cups, toy jeeps and inflatable balloons and floors. The facilities will be set up in association with private agencies after the elections, assures a senior VMC official.
