Inclusive park for children with disabilities inaugurated in Coimbatore
The Hindu
Inclusive park for children with disabilities inaugurated in Kalapatti, Coimbatore, featuring specially designed play equipment and sensory zones.
An inclusive park for children with disabilities was inaugurated by District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar and Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran at Nethra Nagar in Kalapatti, on Monday.
Developed over 1.25 acres, the park has been established through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution from Bosch Global Software Technologies.
The Coimbatore Corporation provided the land for the project. With funding support of ₹1 crore from Bosch, the project was implemented by the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC).
The park is designed to cater to children with a range of disabilities, including visual and physical impairments, cerebral palsy, and autism. It features specially designed play equipment and wheelchair-accessible infrastructure to ensure an inclusive environment where all children can play together.
“A key feature of the park is its focus on encouraging interaction between children with disabilities and others, creating an environment of inclusion. For children with various kinds of disabilities, the park includes play zones specifically designed to meet their sensory needs. An art home at the park showcases artwork by special children, helping to nurture their creativity and provide a platform for expression,” said Mr. Pavankumar.
Additional features include a mini court for basketball and throw ball, walking paths, a butterfly garden, a medicinal plant zone, and landscaped areas with flowering plants and trees. A silent zone has also been created to offer a quiet space for rest and meditation.
“We are focussed on creating more inclusive spaces and dedicated parks for women, which we call pink parks. Following the success of this initiative, we aim to establish similar parks in all five zones of the city,” said Mr. Prabakaran.