Now, a theme park for kids in Jayanagar

A ribbon stood between a group of impatient children and a theme park in Jayanagar 6th Block on Friday.

Inside the park, Chandavalli Thota, the fun rides looked invitingly at the children, who were forced to wait — and wait — for the minister for home and transport R Ashoka to turn up, and cut the ribbon.

The growing impatience and restlessness among the children became palpable as the minister failed to reach the venue at the scheduled time. Ashoka later arrived to a loud cheer, 1.5 hours behind schedule and declared the park open by cutting the symbolic ribbon.

Once the only impediment - the ribbon — between them and the park was removed, the children rushed in, pushing away those who stood in their way. After all, this was the moment they had been waiting for since 4.30pm. “We came here knowing that we can enjoy these rides and play, but we were told that we can get in only after a minister opens the gate. We waited for him to cut the ribbon, and now, no one is going to stop us,” Jayesh S Jain, a 4th standard student and resident of Jayanagar 6th Block, said while rushing to a ride.

Little Rashmi P beamed as she walked into the park with her father. “We were waiting so that I can each and every slides and swings and rides,” she said.

Ashoka walked around the park and was seen patting several children. The slides, ramps and swings were all constructed on hard ground, covered with a thick layer of sand. “The equipment are all bought from Korea,” said NR Ramesh, corporator of Yediyur ward.

“There is also an octagonal space where the children can play, under the watchful eyes of their parents. The sand used is tested and of good quality,” the corporator added.

Comfortable benches and models of animals were also set up, besides shrubs planted to enhance the beauty of the park.
“Children in Bangalore are mostly seen playing on the roads, which is dangerous. Jayanagar is my constituent assembly and I definitely want these developments to begin from here,” said Ashoka. But the children were not listening.