In a significant move to reimagine urban green spaces, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Sunday initiated the development of a unique, child-focused octopus-themed park in the bustling Karol Bagh area. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj, marking the start of an ambitious project to transform a section of Ajmal Khan Park.
A Vibrant Hub for Play and Learning
The new park, sprawling across 4.5 acres, will be centered around a massive and eye-catching play sculpture shaped like an octopus. This main attraction will measure an impressive 25 metres by 25 metres. The design philosophy merges artistic expression with functional play, using sculptures of different heights, forms, and textures to create an engaging environment.
The octopus's sprawling arms will be integrated with various play elements. These will include swings set along its curves, slides, and other interactive accessories. Even functional items like benches, seating areas, and dustbins will be crafted to resemble parts of the octopus, maintaining the thematic consistency. The materials used, such as glass reinforced plastic for art pieces, ensure durability and visual appeal.
Features, Funding, and Broader Vision
Beyond the central sculpture, the park's attractions are designed to cater to a wide age group. The plan includes:
- Educational wall paintings.
- Statues, including a figure of Dr Octopus.
- Balancing bridges and other play infrastructure.
- Comprehensive landscaping with specialized flooring.
- Rainwater harvesting systems.
- A complete signage, lighting, and electrical network.
An MCD official stated, "Our focus is on creating modern, thematic and eco-friendly recreational parks." The project is being developed at a cost of Rs 2.6 crore, with funding sourced from the Central government's AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme. The expected timeline for completion is three months.
Part of a Larger Thematic Park Initiative
This initiative builds upon the successful model of the Dinosaur Park developed earlier by the MCD, which reportedly attracted close to 20,000 visitors in just six months. The octopus-themed park is not an isolated project but one of seven such thematic parks finalized by the civic body to rejuvenate neighbourhood spaces across the capital.
The other approved parks include:
- A Garuda-themed park at M Block Park in Greater Kailash-II.
- An insect-themed park near PVR Saket.
- A marine-themed park at Swasthya Vihar Park near Laxmi Nagar.
- A peacock-themed park in Mayur Vihar Phase-III.
- A Mowgli-themed park near the DTC depot in Mayapuri.
This concerted effort represents a strategic shift towards developing vibrant, engaging, and visually distinctive public parks that serve as community hubs for children, youth, and families alike, enhancing the quality of urban life in Delhi.
