Damaged play equipment pose threat to children at HUDA Park

AS Rao Nagar: For the past two years, the HUDA Park at AS Rao Nagar has turned dangerous for kids to play. The rusted and damaged equipment has become too risky for the children. Many have fallen and been hurt. The park till recently was known to attract a lot of kids is now being shunned by them due to broken equipment.

“Mostly adults come to the park and few children are seen. It used to be a recreational spot for many locals here but now the number is falling due to ill-maintenance. The play items are not maintained and now it’s high time for the authorities to replace them to avoid any untoward incidents. Recently, a child sustained injuries when one of his legs got stuck in a hole of a broken slide,” said Jyothi, a resident of A S Rao Nagar.

As one enters the park, the unclean water welcomes with emanating foul smell. Another visitor, Sai Reddy said, “This is the only park we have in and around A S Rao Nagar. The entry charges are Rs 10 for each person. The authorities are charging high amount but providing no facilities. It is very difficult to walk through the small bridge over the pond at the entrance as it emits unpleasant smell.”

When contacted, Sarvotham, Huda Park, supervisor, said, “We are planning to replace the equipment by this month-end.” On an average, 400-450 persons visit the park and on weekends the number goes up to 1,000- to 1,300. The entry fee that started with Rs 3 went up to Rs 5, since last year it is Rs 10. Morning walkers monthly pass is Rs 100. It is also alleged that the morale of the staff is low as they are not paid salaries on time. There is a sizable number of outsourced staff at the park.