Amma Park in Saidapet to get a facelift

Amma Park in Saidapet. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), as announced in the State Budget 2024-25, has initiated plans to upgrade Amma Park at Saidapet, on Kodambakkam Road for ₹2.91 crore.

The authority aims to create an “intergenerational recreational space” in the area which is expected to be completed within five months since work order is issued.

The project, spanning 3,857 sq.ft, will feature modern playground equipment, a renovated skating rink, badminton play area, pebble walk section, tree plantation area, a yoga pavilion, seating arrangements, walking and jogging pathways, a refurbished fountain, toilet facilities and community spaces.

The drawings of the proposed plan details site plans, electrical layouts, skating court dimensions, yoga podiums, well-lit pathways, public amenities, and recreational spaces. Landscaping such as paving and planting are also to be done.

The park will also have new play equipment, fitness zones, and sports facilities such as volleyball and cricket, according to the details shared by CMDA. The renovation will also improve accessibility and safety, with traffic barricading and lighting arrangements during construction.

Meanwhile, coaches in the ground requested expanded practice areas for national-level athletes from economically weaker sections. Tharakai, a silambam coach and final-year college student, said, “The volleyball and football turfs in Ward 142 are well-maintained and on a par with private turfs. Interest in silambam is rapidly increasing due to its national recognition now. A dedicated arena for silambam practice in the park area under Ward 140 would help children from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly from poorer families, to reach greater heights.”

Babu, the skating coach, said the exercise equipment is quite close to the skating rink, which can be placed along with other sports equipment to increase the size of the rink. He added that there are several areas damaged in the rink that need to be fixed as well.

Further, several elderly at the park said fumigation and sweepers were not regular at the park. They also pointed to a lack of toilet facilities at the park. Also, the lights go off often which needs to be checked, they said. Paramasivan, 65, a regular, said, “This is the biggest in the area and our favourite. If equipment that are worn out are replaced, lighting is improved, dead plants and weeds are removed and new plants are well maintained, the park will get back to its initial glory.”

Ellakiya, a mother of an infant and a regular visitor of the park, said mosquito menace in the park must be addressed as there was no frequent fumigation.