The Children Play Zone in the Gandhi Park which remained closed for over two months was recently opened by the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun. The localities say they are happy with the arrangements made in the park for the children.
While the entry fee per person is Rs20 the same for children below five years is free. However, the children aged above five would have to pay Rs 20 for entry. The cost of other games running in the park varies while the ‘helicopter ride’ costs Rs 25 the toy train ride costs Rs40.
Sashi Bhushan, a local, said, “The park was closed for a long time. We used to come to the park for a walk. Earlier, there were fewer games for children . They were not in a good condition too. Gandhi Park being in the central part of the city, the people are coming with their children in a fairly large number on Sundays and other holidays.”
Another visitor in the park BS Rawat said, “I am from Delhi. We come to Dehradun for spending vacations. The entry fee in the children zone is not much and all the rides in the park are also good. It is very good for children to come and enjoy”.
In- charge of the park said, “The footfall in the area is good. Games which run electrically, especially the toy train and helicopter ride are working smoothly. We are also placing lights in the one section of the park as part of providing better arrangements”.
Meanwhile, chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Usha Negi said that the commission would soon hold a meeting with the MCD officers on giving free entry in the park for the poor children. Speaking about it, she said, “The meeting would be held in two or three days. We will ask the MCD officers to do something for the amusement of the children of the unprivileged section of the society.”