A children’s park serving residents across more than 15 streets in Chennai’s Agathiyar Nagar and its extension remains unused because of safety concerns over an electricity transformer located within the premises, while poor maintenance has left its play equipment surrounded by overgrown shrubs and fallen leaves.
The park is maintained by the Greater Chennai Corporation and was intended to provide a designated play space for children in Agathiyar Nagar, its extension and nearby Ponvizha Nagar. Residents said the transformer’s location had raised concerns even before the park was inaugurated several years ago.
“We used to take our kids to play, but it felt unsafe,” said Thilagabama, a long-time resident. She said residents had pointed out the transformer when the park was being planned and believed the facility should have been constructed elsewhere.
With fewer families using the facility over time, the park was eventually left unattended, residents said. The unused swings, slides and other play equipment are now surrounded by vegetation, making the space less inviting and raising further concerns about its upkeep.
The need for the park has become more visible after the inauguration of a CMDA sports complex in the vicinity. The complex has attracted residents for badminton and gym facilities, but its children’s play area can become crowded, leaving younger children without a dedicated space.
“After the inauguration of the sports complex, many people started coming to play badminton and use the gym. Many times, there is no space for children,” said Koushik, the father of a seven-year-old boy.
Koushik said the Corporation park could serve local families if the transformer-related concern was addressed and the premises were maintained properly. The issue therefore involves both the safety of existing public infrastructure and the Corporation’s ability to keep a small neighbourhood facility operational after construction.
Ward councillor Sudha Deenadhayalan acknowledged that the transformer was one of the reasons the park had been closed. She said she would speak to Corporation engineers and explore measures to make the space safe for children.
The councillor’s proposed discussion with Corporation engineers is the next stated step. No timeline for relocating or securing the transformer, reopening the park or carrying out maintenance was provided in the report.
