CHENNAI: Residents of Saidapet have urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to open the renovated Amma Park to the public. Neighbourhood residents expressed frustration that although work was completed two months ago, the park remains closed.
Regular visitors noted that they have been unable to step inside for over a year, and a petition submitted to Saidapet MLA M Arul Prakasam has yielded no results. So the association has planned to conduct a protest in the coming days.
According to residents and Amma Park Users Association, the park used to be crowded during morning and evening hours, providing a space for everyone from school children to senior citizens to spend quality time. Saidai J Kathir, secretary of the association, said, “We had submitted a formal representation to the Saidapet MLA a month ago about the reopening of the park. Yet, no progress has been made. The delay in the inauguration has forced people to go elsewhere for leisure time, exercise and jogging.”
The CMDA had kick-started the renovation in August 2025 for Rs 2.91 crore. Before closure, over 800 people used the facility daily. “Many senior citizens like me have missed chatting with friends in the park. This place is our regular meeting spot and rejuvenates us,” Kathir said. “With no other park within a 1-km radius, people are forced to go to 5E Park in Ashok Nagar and Sivan Park in KK Nagar to walk.”
Kathir added that the association, along with functionaries from Makkal Needhi Maiyam, will soon hold a protest demanding the park’s immediate reopening.
Echoing his thoughts, K Gunasekaran of Saidapet noted, “Residents of Theeder Nagar, Samiyar Thottam, West Saidapet, Panneerselvam Nagar, Sekar Nagar, and other nearby areas rely on this park. Now, people like me who cannot walk long distances just sit outside the gates in the evening. I haven’t gone for a walk in over eight months.”
Another member of the association added, “Every year, we conduct programmes inside the park on Independence Day. The Chief Minister promotes the slogan ‘Sports-ah Yedu, Drugs-ah Vidu’ (Take up sports, leave drugs). Reopening the park will give children and youngsters a place to play.”
The upgraded park features modern play equipment, a renovated skating court and badminton court, seating arrangements, walking and jogging tracks, a refurbished fountain, restroom facilities, a small science park, and outdoor exercise equipment.
A GCC official stated, “A joint inspection was carried out at the park by the GCC, CMDA, and the Saidapet MLA a month back. Once the CMDA confirms the dates, the park will be inaugurated.”
Attempts to reach Saidapet MLA Arul Prakasam for comment went unanswered.