Year after stone-laying, special kids await opening of ‘Sensory Park’ in Chandigarh

A year after the foundation stone was laid by former Mayor Anup Gupta, the first ‘Sensory Park’ of the city in Sector 22-D is yet to be thrown open to differently abled children. The park has been developed at an approximate cost of Rs 1.25 crore.

On September 22 last year, Gupta laid the foundation stone of this park along with officials and local councillor Daman Preet Singh. Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) had made efforts to find a company for developing the park since 2019 and finally received the lowest bid in July last year.

The park, first such facility in the city, has a combination of sensory-integrated recreational equipment and amenities besides a green area. Various sections in the park have been equipped with aids to stimulate five senses — taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing.

It has been divided into four zones — Equipment, Play, Experiential and Nature. These sections have been provided with toys, hand-sensing games and a kaleidoscope. The Playing zone has rubber (patched) flooring to ensure the safety of children. Tactile pavers serve as directional indicators for the visually impaired children.

Equipment damaged

Municipal Corporation officials are having a tough time protecting the equipment before the official opening of the park. “Someone has damaged playing equipment and torn apart a portion of the rubber flooring,” said an employee.

Sources claimed the facility is all set to be inaugurated soon, as installation of equipment was in its final stages.

First such facility in city beautiful

The park, first such facility in the city, has a combination of sensory-integrated recreational equipment and amenities besides a green area. Various sections in the park have been equipped with aids to stimulate five senses — taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing.