Even after 18 months of its inauguration by the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, the children’s park in Gandhi Park has failed to attract many visitors. The reasons, many say, is the high entry fee and the additional costs for the rides, swings and other activities. On Tshursday, on the occasion of Children’s Day, many groups of school students were seen in Gandhi Park. However, there was hardly anyone seen in the adjacent children’s park.
The fee for entry into the park is Rs 20 per head with free entry for those aged below five years, while for the rides like train, merry-go-round, bike/car and aeroplane is between Rs 30 to Rs 40.
Kids can enjoy other activities like trampoline and bouncy castle for Rs 40 each.
“The fee for the children’s park is too high. A sum of Rs 20 just for entering the park is too much. If they charge Rs 5 or Rs 10, more children will visit the park,” said Ram Prasad, a daily visitor to Gandhi Park.
“A couple usually has at least two children. If they will charge so much, then how will a poor person fulfill the demands of all his children,” he added.
Another visitor said that the children’s park is not meant for the weaker sections of the society. “If it is MCD’s initiative, then the facility should be open to all. If they won’t decrease the prices, only people who are earning well will be able to take their kids in the park,” he said.
The MCD is, however, unaware of this issue raised by people. “We don’t have any information about this problem as nobody has filed a complaint in the MCD. We will definitely take action if any complaint is received,” said deputy municipal commissioner Rohitash Sharma.
When asked, the manager of the children’s park, Hemant Dangwal said, the rates of the park and for using the rides is minimal. According to him, increment is required every year but they still haven’t increased the price of the train ride. However, other rides’ prices have been hiked by Rs 10 each.
“Few people visit on weekdays. So, if we reduce the amount, then generating revenue out of this will be difficult,” he said. “We anyway provide the space to schools and small groups for picnics at a very nominal price. High parking fee outside Gandhi Park is one of the main reasons that people don’t come to the children’s park,” he added.
