With the super-duper hit film Chennai 600028 , the Greater Chennai Corporation playground in Raja Annamalaipuram has achieved celluloid glory. What is more commendable is the part it plays as a neighbourhood playground. Truth be told, it is more than just that. Besides the residents of R.A. Puram, it draws those from Adyar, Mandaveli, Mylapore and Pattinapakkam.
The huge triangular-shaped facility which can be accessed from Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Dinakaran Salai and Brodie’s Castle Road, now registers a greater attendance of youngsters looking for a space to play cricket, basketball, football and badminton. The reason: Installation of floodlights four months ago as well as the replacement of damaged baskets at the basketball court. As a result of the two tall poles providing high-mast lighting, youngsters can be see playing at the ground close to 10 p.m., every day.
Regulars, however, point out that the picture is not prefect — yet. Embedded with stones in many places, the surface of the playground is uneven. Construction debris has been dumped in the corners of the playground. The lane markings on the basketball court are not clear and have to be painted afresh, they say. Due to the absence of nets at the shuttle court, players bring their own nets. Fitness equipment at the indoor gym requires repairs.
“Earlier, State-sponsored cricket, boxing and football tournaments would be conducted regularly at the playground. Now, a few schools in the region organise their annual sports meet at the playground. If maintained well, tournaments can be conducted regularly at the facility,” says M. Balaji.
Regulars point out that a mesh fence has now been raised above the compound to prevent balls from hitting vehicles, especially those of VIP convoys that ply through the region frequently.
But, a few boys say traffic police personnel still don’t want to take any chance, and ask us to stop playing when a VIP convoy is passing by.
