In a heartfelt plea for inclusive public spaces, Arvind Kumar, a student from Gurukulam-a center for children with special needs in Anna Nagar-shared his desire for wider slides in parks. “I used to be overweight, so I couldn’t use the slide as a child,” Arvind explained, emphasizing that no child, regardless of their size, should miss out on play. His insights form part of a broader initiative led by the Greater Chennai Corporation to make parks accessible for individuals with disabilities, announced by Mayor Priya R. in the 2025 budget.
Partnering with organizations like Kilikili and the Disability Rights Alliance, the Greater Chennai Corporation is conducting consultations across the city to gather input from various stakeholders, including children with disabilities and their caregivers. The initiative is part of a larger effort to assess and implement changes in ten key parks identified for enhancement, including Bougainvillea Park, where Arvind and his peers recently engaged in discussions about park accessibility.
Radha Nandakumar, founder-trustee of Gurukulam, highlighted the importance of these consultations. “Five of our students can only type their answers, but they have valuable ideas,” she said. Students have suggested ideas like ramps, designated cycling paths, tactile flooring, a soundproof room, and inclusive games-a testament to their creativity and understanding of what makes a space welcoming.
The ongoing consultations, which will occur both in-person and online, aim to include perspectives from diverse communities. “We want to ensure that all voices are heard, focusing on those who may struggle to articulate their needs,” said Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, founder of Kilikili. In instances where individuals may find it challenging to express their thoughts, the team shows them photographs of different playground equipment to gauge their preferences.
For those unable to attend consultations, a Google form will be available for public feedback, helping gather insights from people with disabilities and their families on desired features in public play spaces.
The ten parks designated for this inclusive initiative include notable locations like MMDA 1st Main Road Park, Bougainvillea Park, and Infinity Park, which has been a successful example of community-driven inclusivity since its opening in 2018. However, activists note that Infinity Park has faced neglect since the pandemic, showcasing the need for community involvement and maintenance efforts.
Kavitha emphasized the role of community in maintaining inclusive parks. “Pre-COVID, residents actively monitored Infinity Park, helping ensure it remained a welcoming space for everyone,” she shared. These community members assisted with everything from guiding children on proper equipment use to alerting authorities about maintenance issues.
As input collection progresses for the ten selected parks, efforts are underway to revitalize Infinity Park. The initiative raises important questions about ongoing maintenance and civic responsibility. “We need to explore sustainable arrangements for park upkeep, perhaps establishing a maintenance fund or involving local organizations,” Kavitha suggested.
As Chennai embarks on this commendable journey toward inclusivity in public spaces, the voices of children like Arvind Kumar are crucial to shaping a future where every child can play freely and safely. The incorporation of their unique perspectives ensures that parks will cater to all children, regardless of their physical abilities.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/an-exercise-to-make-chennai-parks-inclusive/article69940358.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-08-16 17:29:00
