City residents, especially children and senior citizens, in many areas are denied access to public spaces for recreation as at least 23 parks created at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 crore by Chennai Corporation are yet to be thrown open for use.
After a delay of many months, the model code of conduct in view of bye-elections to Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar assembly constituency has put off their inauguration.
Residents have started using some of them but the civic body has not begun lighting for the park even after fittings were installed months ago.
The parks developed in Zone 3 include Guru Santhi Nagar, Macro Marvel First and Second Cross Street, Padmagiri Nagar and VGP Nagar. Residents have been waiting for the park to be opened for over six months.
The Corporation has also redeveloped Thangal Eri Poonga in Ambattur (Ward 80), Secretariat Colony (81), Tri star park on Mogappair Eri Scheme Sixth Main Road, Mahatma Gandhi Park (187), Elcot Road (197), Chandrasekar Avenue Park (194) and also the one on Semmanchery First Main Road.
The proposal for development of some of the parks like the one in Thangal Eri Poonga was made in 2012.
The high-mast lamps and other fittings commissioned at Rs.53.44 lakh have not been switched on for residents in the area.
Even after the Corporation permitted residents to use parks late in the evening, residents are unable to walk or jog there.
Corporation officials said the list of all completed parks was prepared and were hopeful of their inauguration once the bye-election is over.
