Sunset is the best time to visit a park. But not College Park, opposite the Women’s Christian College. When the day draws to a close, this park is littered with bottles, sachets and leftover food.
Through the day, it is visited by college students and they leave behind their ‘footprints’, according to residents of the neighbourhood
“Groups of students from the nearby colleges visit the park. There have been cases of students holding birthday parties at the park and leaving it in a total mess. It would be strewn with colour papers, empty water bottles, paper plates and food items. “On one such occasion, when I questioned them about their behaviour, pat came the reply, ‘Where is the dustbin?’ I was shocked by their response. But when I looked around, I could not see any inside the park. I found one outside though,” Kumar, a regular walker, said.
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Some residents say they keep away from the park because it “is untidy due to such littering and lacks drinking water facility”. And then, except for a few stone benches, the park lacks a seating arrangement. These stone benches are senior-unfriendly.
“I commute from Kodambakkam to Parrys every day. Whenever I am tired, I relax at the park. But, during summer, I avoid the park, for there is no water here,” says Raghavan, a senior citizen.
Anisha, a college student, says, “To help people escape the scorching summer, several organisations are placing ‘thanneer pandals’ and ‘'buttermilk stalls’ across the city. Having one in front of the park will improve its patronage.”
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Some think at least canned water could be provided for the morning joggers and senior citizens visiting the park.
College students say they feel the absence of a toilet at the park, especially when they have group studies there.
“Every alternate evening, I come to the park with my classmates for group study. The park is packed especially before exams. Many come here for their exam preparations, because it offers some quiet. If toilet facilities are provided, students will stay longer,” says Akshaya, a college student.
For seniors, the problem is finding a place to sit. Rajagopal, a senior citizen, says students can sit on the lawn, but seniors like me need proper benches with a backrest.
If the aesthetic appeal of the park is improved, many more are likely to use it. The park is hidden behind rusted gates and thorny bushes. “The pond in a corner of the park has been left barren for a long time. Moreover, having more ornamental plants would add to its beauty” says Sangeetha.
U. Karpagam, councillor, ward 111, says no complains have been placed before her regarding the park. She has however promised to inspect the park and take necessary action.