It was once a garbage dump and haven for anti-social elements. But now, it hosts an open-air gymnasium and park. That is the change the nearly 1.5-acre plot with several casuarina trees on the banks of Ayyappan pozhi, near the Alappuzha beach, underwent in recent months.
The Alappuzha municipality, which is behind the transformation, is expected to throw open the facility to the public soon. “Though not a designated dump, the place was covered with festering rubbish and a refuge for anti-social elements. As the Ports department owns the land, we approached them and struck a deal to put it to good use. All the gym equipment has been installed under the shade of trees. The construction of walkways, benches and other facilities has also been completed,” says Alappuzha municipal vice-chairman P.S.M. Hussain.
Besides, the facility will have an exclusive space for differently abled children. The work to install playground equipment has been awarded. “Fitting of children’s items and other works, including clearing the place of unwanted plants and weeds, will be completed soon. A final decision on its opening will be taken in the coming weeks,” says Mr. Hussain.
