Parks – Delhi civic body plans themed play spaces for children
Parks – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is moving ahead with a plan to transform select neighbourhood parks into themed recreational areas designed especially for children, aiming to make public spaces more interactive and engaging for younger residents.
The civic body has identified seven locations across the capital for this initiative. These include parks in Janakpuri, Saket, Greater Kailash, Mayur Vihar, Swasthya Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Mayapuri. Officials confirmed that the project is being funded under the AMRUT scheme, which focuses on improving urban infrastructure and amenities.
Distinct themes planned for each park
According to officials involved in the project, each park will feature a unique concept aimed at enhancing children’s play experiences. The idea is to move beyond traditional playgrounds and introduce visually appealing and activity-based installations.
For instance, the park in Janakpuri is set to include an aeroplane-inspired play structure, designed to spark imagination and interactive play. Meanwhile, the Mayur Vihar park will showcase a large peacock-themed installation, standing approximately 20 to 25 feet tall, integrated with play elements suitable for children.
Authorities indicated that work has already begun at the Janakpuri and Mayur Vihar sites. The remaining locations are currently in the planning or initial development stages, with detailed designs and timelines still being finalized.
Addressing maintenance challenges in city parks
The move to develop themed parks comes at a time when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi oversees more than 15,000 parks across the city. Despite the vast number of green spaces, officials acknowledge that maintaining them has become increasingly challenging due to a shortage of gardening staff.
To address this issue, the civic body is introducing a revised maintenance policy that encourages community participation. Under this approach, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will be allowed to take responsibility for maintaining parks in their respective areas.
Financial support for community-led upkeep
As part of the new policy framework, RWAs opting to manage parks will receive financial assistance from the civic body. Officials stated that a monthly grant of Rs 13,500 per acre will be provided, applicable across all 12 administrative zones of the MCD.
In addition to monetary support, RWAs will also be supplied with compost free of cost, helping them maintain greenery more effectively. This step is expected to reduce the burden on municipal resources while ensuring better upkeep through local involvement.
Enhancing urban spaces for families
Officials believe that the introduction of themed parks will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhood green spaces but also make them more attractive destinations for families. By incorporating creative designs and interactive elements, the initiative aims to encourage outdoor activity among children.
Urban planners note that such projects can play a significant role in improving quality of life in densely populated areas, where access to engaging public spaces is often limited. The focus on child-centric design reflects a broader effort to make cities more inclusive and livable.
Gradual rollout expected across locations
While construction has already started in two locations, authorities indicated that the full rollout will take place in phases. Factors such as site readiness, design approvals, and fund allocation will influence the pace of development across the remaining parks.
Officials added that feedback from residents may also be considered during implementation to ensure that the parks meet local needs and preferences.