Gopalapuram :Soon, a jog at integrated sports facility

City’s 1st such complex, which will cater to all age groups, will be at Gopalapuram

After its proposal for mini-stadiums in 10 areas in the city, Chennai Corporation will now develop an integrated sports facility in Gopalapuram.

It is meant to serve all age groups, and will be developed in the area where a playground already exists, officials said. The civic body has finalised the design for the facility and design work on four more playgrounds is underway. 

The consultants were selected by conducting a competition among architects to redevelop playgrounds.

“The civic body has selected a design that caters to all age groups,” said an official. Every aspect of the integrated playfield will be developed based on residents’ demands. The new design is expected to attract a large number of homemakers, senior citizens, persons with disability, police personnel, and children.

“The existing playground has been used mainly by school children and college students. Other residents are denied access because of the inadequate design elements pertaining to safety, convenience, and utility,” said an official.

The soil test for the facility, estimated to cost Rs. 2.5 crore, was carried out on Friday. The design in a 2-acre area includes a football-cum-cricket field, a skating rink, a walking pathway, separate track for jogging, parking space for 20 cars and courts for squash, tennis, basketball and volleyball.

Chennai Corporation officials said they have conducted interviews with residents of the locality to design new elements to cater to different age groups.

H 9 Nov 2014