After six months of renovation under Smart Cities Mission, Dr. Natesan Park on Venkat Narayana Road and Jeeva Park on G.N. Chetty Road in T. Nagar are open to public.
They were among eight parks that has been taken up for renovation under the Mission early this year. The makeover of these parks includes provision of standalone structures, which include gazebos, pergolas and tactile walkways.
The pergolas act as a frame for climbing plants. With a roof and garden benches with backrest, the hexagonal-shaped gazebos come across as a semi-enclosed space.
The play area for children, outdoor gym and shuttle courts have been provided with a soft surface to prevent the risk of injury in case of a fall.
Other facilities include solar-powered sockets for charging mobile phones and laptops. Sewage treatment plants have also been installed at these parks.
One of the features at Dr. Natesan Park is a raised-lawn with stone benches and topiaries of peacocks and deer.
Visitors to the parks are impressed with the renovation. R. S. Radha Krishnan, secretary, The South Madras Walkers and Joggers Association, says “Now, the challenge is maintenance. Adequate number of security personnel should be provided. They should prevent vendors selling eatables and men under the influence of alcohol from entering the park. The guards would be required to ensure those aged below 15 do not use the gym. Similarly, adults should not use the play equipment installed in the space meant for children.” Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply S. P. Velumani; Minister for Fisheries D. Jayakumar; T. Nagar MLA B. Sathyanarayanan; and Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation D. Karthikeyan inaugurated the parks on July 11.
Other parks will be reopened shortly, says a Corporation official.
