Thiruvananthapuram: With summer vacation approaching, poor condition of public parks in the city is limiting outdoor options for children, raising concerns about their physical activity and social development. Key parks, including Nehru Children’s and Cycle Park at Shanghumugham, remain largely unusable due to neglect. The facility is overrun with garbage and weeds, with its cycling track blocked by undergrowth and a fallen tree that has not been cleared for months. Damaged equipment, plastic waste and abandoned materials are scattered across the premises, while basic amenities are deteriorating. At Veli Tourist Village, several play structures are rusted, broken and unsafe, with sharp edges posing risks. The presence of stray dogs has further discouraged families from visiting. Officials have blamed lapses in the private contracting system. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Satish Miranda said the contractor responsible for maintaining the Shanghumugham park failed to respond to repeated notices, prompting authorities to initiate steps to cancel the contract and take over operations. State Museum Children’s Park is also in disrepair, with renovation stalled for over 18 months. Many rides, including swings, slides and a toy train, remain unusable, while overgrown areas have reduced accessible space. Officials said the delay is linked to ongoing revenue recovery proceedings against the previous operator. Experts warn that the shrinking availability of safe outdoor spaces could have long-term effects on children, including reduced physical activity, increased screen time and challenges in social and cognitive development.
