As the scorching heat recedes and the day draws to an end, S. Vijayalakshmi, a resident of Pillayar Kovil Street at Nanmangalam, along with her children, takes a stroll to JJ Park, the first and only public park in their locality. On reaching the park, the boys dart off to the play area and Vijalayalakshmi joins her peers for a walk around the park after which they settle down for a chat. Her breezy evenings at the park bring with them an air of repose and relief at the end of a hot and muggy day spent indoors. As she watches the twilight paint rosy and tangerine hues over the skies, she experiences a sense of calm ripple through her mind, a feeling she could seldom take pleasure in earlier.
“Previously, we had to drive down to Guindy to go to the park and so our visits were limited only to the weekends. But since the setting up of this park, we can afford to spend our leisurely evenings here every day. This is especially comforting during summer, as the cool atmosphere provides some respite from the sweltering heat” says Vijayalaskhmi, who has been residing at Nanmangalam for almost seven years.
It was in March 2016 that the residents of Nanmangalam welcomed its first ever public park at the Elumalai Street. The park caters to locals of all ages. Opening at four in the morning, it is frequented by much of the populace usually for their morning and evening walks. Located right next to the Panchayat office, the establishment and maintenance of the local park has, over the course of time, garnered much approval and appreciation from residents who could not avail the luxury of a recreational space earlier. The park was built on the wasteland that had surfaced when a part of the local pond had dried up and become susceptible to encroachment and misuse, thus polluting the water and leaving the surrounding area in a sorry state. As the park was established, measures were also taken to treat and clean the pond and clear it of all contaminants.
The pond, which now lies amidst the park, also serves as a tool for rainwater harvesting. With a capacity to hold 35 ft. of rainwater, the waterbody is inhabited by about 2,000 fish. At one end of the park is the dedicated play area where a host of kids can be seen gambolling about, especially after school hours. The atmosphere here is charged with much verve and vibrancy as the brightly-coloured swing sets, seesaws and jungle gym remain bustling with children through the late hours of evening. Their excitement at having finally found a space to play is evident on their faces. Priya Devi, mother of six-year-old Swetha, nods in agreement as she notes “For many kids here, their play areas are confined to the congested spaces that were available within apartments. As a result, they preferred staying indoors and hence were involved in little physical activity. The daily activity that Swetha now engages in has not only helped her remain active but has also given her a platform to forge new friendships, thereby boosting her morale”. Apart from the Panchayat-appointed caretaker who ensures the safety of children and proper use of the playground equipment, the park also has a female security guard who has been assigned to take care of the safety of women in the park.
A good portion of the park, adjacent to the play area, is well-tended to and remains open for free yoga classes for the residents to take part, in the near future.
