Location- The huge open space is located at the North- Western side of Vile Parle East. It is bound on 2 sides by 'Tejpal Scheme' and one side by Shahaji Raje Road going between Shaan Theatre and Koldongri. The third side is bound by a line of Residential colonies forming the Northern boundary of Vile Parle East.
Surroundings- The two footpaths leading to this park are completely encroached upon by slums and box-shop hawkers- therefore these walkaways are practically not usable. You may, in fact, run into somebody having a bath or relaxing on their sofa- if you try to walk on these footpaths. Rest of the boundary is abutted by Residential societies. Luckily- these people seem quite cultured, as there is no evidence of garbage being discharged into the garden from here.
 |
| encroached upon footpath |
Access- The open area is divided into two- one is a 'public access' landscaped garden while the rest (more than half) is a multi-utility sports complex. Both entrances are visible and easily accessible. There are guards and gates and access is free of dirt or garbage, though traffic is an issue. At the entrance of the sports complex one is welcomed by a huge mural of Shivaji Maharaj and stench of underground drain. I wish they could shift its opening elsewhere. The sports- complex is 'restricted access', manned by mean- looking guards demanding to see identity card- only members are allowed.
 |
| SPORTS COMPLEX ENTRANCE |
 |
| GARDEN ENTRANCE |
Size- Overall it is a huge garden. but sports complex has taken lot of space. In this also a huge parking area is provided, which is practically useless from point of view of 'recreational/ exercise activities' for which the open area is meant. I dont know the exact dimensions.
Waterbody- It has an olympic size swimming pool. The garden area has two defunct fountains which look like waterfalls.
Play material- In the beginning, good play ground material seems to have been installed. But now much of it is broken, some even dangerous to children. The toddlers play area perpetually stinks of urine- cant say who should be blamed- the users or the maintainers. Children are not allowed on the lawn or walking track- which is really mean and unfair. But Parle is anyway not child- friendly, so cant expect much. The reason given is- young children may harm or disturb the senior citizens walking there?!. There is a Ganapati temple where some senior ladies gather to sing bhajans very loudly (never mind the disturbance caused to youngsters).
Seating- Sufficient seats in good condition are available in the garden. A seating area is provided in the sports complex.
Facilities- A majority of Parlekars owe their good health to this open space. It provides a very wide range of facilities ranging from gymnastics, skating, shooting, swimming- and has produced several sate and national athletes. But membership and coaching fee is considerably expensive.Several people walk regularly here and walking groups are plenty, this is the free facilitiy. And inspite of taking such fees, the sports complex management frequently lets out space for private functions, political activities- which is disruptive and unfair. There is no remedy or redress for this- as Parlekars have no other option.
 |
| TODDLERS AREA |
 |
| VERDANT GARDEN |
 |
| GANPATI TEMPLE |
General maintainance and security- This is the only well maintained open space in Vile Parle East. The landscaped garden is lovely- but I wish it had more large trees. It is very safe- both from anti- social elements as well as from accidents. It also has much fewer mosquitoes all year round, but still a general precaution of applying repellant is advisible.
Before visiting- Parking is not available. Sporting facilities are only for members and those enrolled in coaching; guest passes are almost never available. Please carry own water, but do not eat in the park. And go with empty bladder as toilet facilities are poor. Insect repellent is essential for garden visit. Children should not take any of their toys- there is no space to play. Strollers are not recommended. Wheel chair bound persons may use the walking track- it is wide enough. A sincere request to gossipers is- please walk on one side of the walking track so that serious walkers may not be obstructed in their endeavours.
Limitations- Even a cursory view of the open space will reveal that highest priority is being given to maintainence of sports complex, intermediate to landscaped garden and minimal to the toddlers facilities. The original promise was to use the funds generated for all- round maintainence, but it appears that funds are being used only to expand sports complex facilities. As landscaped garden is used by seniors, they are able to raise a voice- and this is getting some attention. Children are voiceless- and as usual have become the last priority here. It is also disheartening to see so many children forced to use the limited facilities of this park- as this is almost the only place available to them. The overcrowding invariably leads to severe rationing (and dis-satisfaction), fights and injuries to children and condition is very bad on weekends.
Recommendations- Management should urgently improve toddlers area and toilet- pay and use toilet facility should be provided. A small patch of lawn or flat open space to be provided- for toddlers to practice running. Dust-bins to be provided and cleanliness enforced as people are littering nowadays. I wish more space provided for the garden- but I know this is just wishful thinking.
The coaching facilities also need to become more child- friendly and up-to-date- throwing a fearful screaming child into the swimming pool is not 'best practice' in swimming training. This open space has potential to support more trees- management should plant large fruit trees on boundaries which will give shade, provide hydrological service as well as attract birds- the ecological potential is still under developed.
No comments:
Post a Comment