Chennai to get more sensory parks

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the new sensory parks have been planned at two locations during the first phase. “We are yet to identify the suitable locations for the two parks. Based on the requirement, two more such parks would be set up,” the official said.

The first sensory park in Santhome was constructed under Smart City Mission as a pilot project and the original plan was to create more parks based on the Santhome park model.

The Santhome sensory park has disabled-friendly facilities including sensory pathways, wheelchair-friendly play areas and tactile equipment. For children with visual impairment, the walls on the parks has engraved stories in braille. Apart from these facilities, the park also has a sensory pathway.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary has issued a certificate of appreciation lauding the establishment of the sensory park under the Smart City Project, on Independence Day. The civic body had constructed the park, spread across 1,500 sqm, at a cost of Rs 1.30 crore.

The civic body had handed over the maintenance of the sensory park to a private real estate firm, a move which has saved the civic body Rs 5 lakh per year.

The Corporation had also created a Children Traffic Park near Napier Bridge to create awareness on traffic rules and to teach school students to drive vehicles safely.