Parks for the differently abled

Parks for the differently abled
Parks in the city will soon be made user-friendly for the differently abled
The Times of India


The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has been designing parks in residential areas as part of the Greener Bangalore project. Now, the civic body has taken up a social initiative to make the parks convenient for the differently-abled, and this is being done on a warfooting, according to a senior official of the BMP.
The idea sprang from a simple proposal that the BMP received from the Kilikili Association, a non-profit organisation, catering to the needs of the differently-abled. "When the organisation approached us with this novel proposal to design a park in a way to include the differently-abled for enjoying the play equipment, the Commissioner immediately gave the go-ahead for the project," says Krishna Udapudi, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BMP. Cole's Park in Fraser Town is the first successful enterprise designed with ramps for wheel-chairs at entry points, and play equipment like swings and slides at the right height and levels of comfort. The design includes easy movement for these people and their guardians, to and from the play area where the equipment is positioned. "Incidentally, the design for this kind of venture was presented by the organisation which the BMP followed up with original manufacturers of play equipment," he says.
Based on this very model, three other parks in Bangalore are being designed by the BMP. The M N Krishna Rao Park - South, Chamundeshwari Park at Lakshman Rao Nagar - East and the Gayatri Devi Park at Rajajinagar have been earmarked for the first phase planned. "Work is going on fullsteam ahead on these parks. The concrete ramps are being built. The designing has been completed and installation of play instruments has been done. We hope to finish the work on schedule, by this March," says Udapudi.
The BMP hopes to extend this project to include other parks in various neighbourhoods in the city for the benefit of those residing there. "Our policy is to design each and every park along these lines," says Udapudi. "If the venture progresses smoothly as it is doing now, then in the next three to four years, our task will be successfully accomplished," he adds. Presently, the Commissioner has sanctioned Rs 20 lakhs for these three projects.
According to Udapudi, the concept could get further impetus if it comes under the public-private partnership. Though the idea of a park for the differently-abled was conceived by a social service organisation, it was hindered by lack of funds to carry it through and hence, approached the BMP which gave it a boost. "If some more private organisations and corporates come forward to sponsor these parks, it would be a shot in the arm for us," Udapudi points out. "The role of the BMP then would be to maintain these parks, and to negotiate with play equipment manufacturers and work out a good deal to furbish the parks with," he adds.
For further details regarding sponsorship of these parks call the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike on 22485317.