Massive Crowd Throngs Madurai's Newly Revamped Vandiyur Park
Madurai witnessed an overwhelming public response as over 3,000 people visited the recently redeveloped Vandiyur park by 6 PM on Sunday, just a day after its grand inauguration. The sprawling 21-acre public facility, which underwent a comprehensive Rs 50 crore renovation, was officially opened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday.
Steady Footfall Throughout Opening Day
Corporation officials reported that from the moment the park gates opened at 10 AM, a consistent stream of visitors flowed into the premises throughout the day. The substantial turnout was attributed to both public curiosity about the extensively revamped facilities and the fact that it was a Sunday, allowing families to visit conveniently. The park maintains operational hours until 9 PM daily.
The 30-minute boating experience emerged as the standout attraction, with approximately 300 people enjoying rides on the inaugural Sunday. Pricing was set at Rs 150 for two-seater paddle boats and Rs 300 for four-seater options, making it accessible for various group sizes.
Affordable Entry and Visitor Satisfaction
Entry fees were established at Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children, with complimentary access granted to children below three years of age. Visitors expressed considerable satisfaction with the park's reopening and enhanced amenities.
"This transformation has created what feels like the Marina of Madurai," remarked Selvam P, who visited with his family. "The boating ride is both enjoyable and reasonably priced. Since the Chief Minister himself inaugurated it, we were particularly eager to come and experience it firsthand."
Additional Features and Ongoing Work
Engineering officials confirmed that while the park is fully operational, some minor work remains pending and will be completed in the coming days. A senior engineering official revealed that several additional facilities are planned for subsequent introduction, including:
- Dedicated children's activity zones
- Trampoline facilities for recreational bouncing
- Gliding options for adventurous visitors
- Small electronic games for entertainment
- Various subsidized facilities to enhance accessibility
Crowd Management and Safety Measures
To ensure smooth operations amid the substantial Sunday turnout, police personnel and corporation officials were strategically deployed throughout the park premises. Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan conducted a thorough inspection, reviewing crowd management protocols and safety arrangements. She specifically instructed officials to maintain close surveillance on visitor movement, with particular attention to the popular boating area.
Anticipated Future Footfall
Officials project that visitor numbers will continue to increase in the coming days and weeks, especially during weekends and public holidays. The successful opening weekend suggests the revamped park has successfully captured public interest and is poised to become a significant recreational destination in Madurai.
