Corporation opens State’s 3rd traffic park in Marina

The Chennai Corporation has opened the State’s third traffic park near Napier Bridge in Marina. Like ones inCoimbatore and Kanniyakumari, this park was built under Smart City Mission, at a cost of Rs 2.06 crore. “The park has roads, signals, bus stops, sign boards, etc. to make the kids feel that they are out on the road,” a Corporation official said.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami inaugurated the park on Wednesday.

The civic body had signed a memorandum of understanding with Honda Motorcycle and Scooter to run the park and teach driving to the kids.

According to sources, the team from Honda would arrange activities for kids between 5 to 8 years, train those between 9 to 12 years how to ride cycle, train those above 13 the theory of riding a bike, and train kids above 16 years how to ride a two-wheeler.

“We are also willing to coach those above 18 how to ride a bike. We expect schools to arrange trips for their students so as to learn traffic rules in a more practical environment,” said P Ashwin, a trainer appointed by Honda.

He added that a woman trainer would soon join from Coimbatore to train girls and women.

On a different note, Ashwin pointed out that couples and college students who frequent Marina Beach often visit the park and saunter around. “People should understand that this is not a regular park. It is meant for children so that they can learn traffic rules better and for those interested in learning how to ride a scooter or a bike,” he added.