Coles Park children’s play equipment rusting in peace!

By Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: The play equipment for the children at Coles Park rusted and broken, and parents have to be on guard to ensure that their children don’t use them. Not long ago, Coles Park was a favourite destination for children to spend their time during weekends.

There is a swing steel frame but the swings are missing from it. It is quite shocking to see people employed at Coles Park using plastic material to join a broken swing chain.

“I think the BMBP Horticulture Department is waiting for a disaster to happen at Coles Park. Not single play equipment is in good condition. Who will be responsible if something happened to the children while using the rusted and broken play equipment?” asks Habiba Subhan, a social activist, adding that she has sent a few photographs to BBMP Zonal Commissioner.

A see-saw is not only broken, but completely rusted. The see-saw seats are also missing thus making children vulnerable to injuries. Even the concrete sliding is in a poor condition. The concrete on the slide has developed cracks and children have to be cautious while using it to avoid injuries.

The other problem is that the BBMP horticulture department has constructed two toilet blocks – one for men and the other for women – at Coles Park, but the visitors have no access to them. “The toilets are locked. It has become difficult for people, especially senior citizens, to attend nature’s call while walking in the park. I want the authorities concerned to open the toilets for the visitors,” said a senior citizen.

It is said that many people from Shivajinagar, Benson Town and other areas visit Coles Park in the morning and evening as it is closer to these areas than Halasuru Lake or any other park.

BBMP Horticultural Department Superintendent Sudhindra told News Trail that the children’s play equipment has to be provided by the BBMP Projects Division. “We have to float a tender inviting the bidder for the maintenance of toilet blocks in the park.

I have already informed about the poor condition of children’s play equipment to local MLA Akshandra Srinivasa Murthy,” said Sudhindra.

R Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy, Pulakeshinagar MLA, has said that he had already directed the BBMP authorities to develop Coles Park and Richards Park.

“Arrangements will be made to open the toilets at Coles Park,” the MLA said.