Corporation to convert playgrounds, parks into pay and use facilities

The Greater Chennai Corporation took the decision regarding the outsourcing of operation and maintenance on a revenue model at its recent special council meeting. “The Corporation has built courts for indoor and outdoor sports in public spaces such as playgrounds and parks to boost sports activities in the city. 

Even though facilities are built on Corporation land, some local resident welfare associations, organisations and individuals have forcibly taken control over the facilities and spreading a message as if they are in charge of maintenance by collecting fees,” a Corporation official said.

At present, the civic body has been maintaining 32 tennis courts in 17 locations, 16 badminton courts in nine locations and 16 skating rinks in 16 locations including Anna Nagar Tower Park, Marina Beach and Elliot Beach.

According to the special council resolution, users must pay a monthly charge of Rs 2,000 for a tennis court, Rs 1,000 for badminton court (indoor), Rs 750 for an outdoor court and Rs 500 for Skating track. The agency and Chennai Corporation would earn Rs 1.7 crore and Rs 55 lakh per year approximately from the arrangement. 

“To safeguard facilities and ensure a system in maintaining playfields, we should call for open tender by drafting proper conditions to select an agency which will maintain the sports facilities by incorporating all safety measures and follow standards of Sports Authority of India and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu,” the official added.

The selected agency would maintain the sports facilities for a period of five years and the agreement might be extended to further five years, based on performance. “Tenders will be called and the potential agency will be selected soon,” the official said.