Thematic parks to be developed.

The Chennai Corporation will develop parks in various parts of the city to attract visitors to green spaces, with an emphasis on a particular theme.

For instance, parks with the theme of mathematics will be developed, complete with equipment and artwork to facilitate understanding of the subject’s basics by children. “We have studied the exclusive dog park in Hyderabad. More information will be collected about such parks in countries such as Japan. We will identify space for the development of a dog park shortly,” said an official.

A yoga park will also be developed in the city, explaining the postures through artwork. Parks on science and technology-based themes such as artificial intelligence and robotics are also likely to be developed. A park on creativity will help budding writers, another official said.

Land to be identified

Vacant lands in all 15 zones will be identified for development of the parks, civic officials said. Jayshree Vencatesan of Care Earth said the Corporation should develop a park that showcases food plants. “A park for senior citizens is also a good idea,” she said.

Shobha Menon of Nizhal pointed out that the concept of ‘thematic parks’ had been announced at various points over the last decade. “But we have observed with dismay that the hype and interest pre-inauguration wanes after a few months with no sustained maintenance,” she said.

‘No artificial elements’

“Nizhal believes that parks should primarily have native biodiversity that can serve as a living library of nature, refresh and rejuvenate children and adults in the natural harmony of sight and sound, and not have artificial elements thrust into the landscape,” she said.

Citizens who care for city’s open spaces can bring back a sense of community, provided the authorities and citizens participate in a mutually supportive manner to nurture such spaces, she noted.

THE HINDU