Nellore Municipal Corporation’s innovative approach turns parks into urban gems – Times of India

VIJAYAWADA: Most of the civic bodies treat the parks in the cities as mere open spaces that incur more expenditure than the revenues. The officials in the civic bodies are callous to maintain the green spaces as they consider them ‘big burden’ which makes a big hole in the civic bodies pocket.
In contrast, a young IAS officer Vikas Marmath has changed the “lenses” of the officials in Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) to make them see the green spaces as precious property to beat the heat, handle the impact of climate change and to produce clean air. He made the city’s children’s park as a landmark green space in the last few months and swung into the national level “City Beautification Competition” in green space category. He felt that promoting Children’s Park would indicate how the green spaces play major impact on the environment. It would also highlight as to how civic bodies should include the green spaces in their future interventions to help mitigate the urban heat island effects. “Green spaces have numerous positive impacts on physical and mental well-being. They also offer opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and relaxation, promoting an active lifestyle and reducing stress levels,” said municipal commissioner, Vikas Marmath. He said that they could handle many issues including reducing temperatures and improving the air quality by providing shade. He said that they were hopeful of clinching the award.
Children’s Park in the city consists of all the recreational activities such as swimming pools, atrium, badminton, cycle and walking track, open chess board, skating including Indoor and Outdoor sport. This would help the public to relax and have a spend some good refreshing time with their children’s as the places is completely well maintained and under surveillance 24 x 7. Vikas said that snack zones were also available for the public to taste various cuisines. He said that they have future plans to develop and maintain the children’s park and other parks located in different wards of Nellore.
CHILDREN’S PARK TO BEAT HEAT AND IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
• NMC banned entry of plastic into the park
• On-site composting bin was established
• Bio-diversity museum was also set up in the park
• The children’s park in Nellore is thoughtfully crafted with a range of exciting features and attractions.
• It boasts vibrant and colourful playground equipment, including slides, swings, climbing frames, and see-saws, all designed to stimulate children’s imagination and encourage physical activity.
• Theseplayareasaremeticulouslymaintainedtoensuresafetyandprovideendlesshoursoffunforkidsofallages.
• The park is full of lush greenery, providing a refreshing atmosphere and a welcome respite from the bustling city.
• There are plenty of open spaces where children can run, play games, and engage in various recreational activities.
• The park also features beautifully scaped gardens, blooming flowers, and shade-providing trees thus creating a picturesque setting adding to the park’s allure.