mid-day visits restored park and its famed Old Woman's Shoe to find that it has reclaimed its place in kids' hearts
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The last time we visited Kamala Nehru Park was a decade ago, when the kids were toddlers. It was disappointing (considering it had been my school's favourite go-to place for picnics). When I tell the kids on a Sunday morning that we are revisiting the newly renovated park, my 10-year-old refuses - he simply won't do parks, he says - but my 12-year-old daughter is game. It is 8 am when we reach and there are not many kids in the park.
We step in and can sense the difference - as if a splash of colour has been sprayed across. We proceed towards the play area for kids. There are swings and sliding boards, state-of-the-art equipment meant to test cognitive as well as physical skills, and uses physics to induce movement and improve motor balance. Nice.
The park has been thoughtfully renovated, keeping children and the aged in mind. We love the lookout points, cane basket swings that act as sit-outs, and the dice-themed seating. It was wonderful to note that the original green cover with the magnificently tall trees of the park was still around; flora has been infused as if to bring cheerfulness back to the park. All the trees are labelled with metal plaques in the shape of that tree's leaf.
There are large gazebos that are open and shady, while cane swings occasionally loop trees, in case you wish to read or chat under one. We are drawn to the night-sky amphitheatre by the sound of music. We stand under the blue-black ceiling dotted with stars and planets while two senior citizens do a jugalbandi with their harmonica. The abacus railing, the giant picture story books, the water lily pond, as well as the amphitheatre with its sound effects, make for engaging additions to the park. Such attention to detail!
Next, we walk towards the iconic Old Woman's Shoe, which used to be a huge draw in my childhood. What thrill could one possibly get from climbing a fecal-spotted, damp, unlit stairway to come to the opening on the shoe? But we did. Today, the shoe is repainted in a striking shade of blue, with a red roofing and white lacing. A watchman is posted at the entrance and a signboard states that this is only meant for kids 12 years and below. Vani goes in and waves out to me cheerfully. But when she gets down, she is relieved. "The stairway is narrow and there isn't enough room for to and fro passage," she reports after her little adventure.
The Ashok Stambh is still there, and the cacophony of mynas and parrots, as black kites swoop down majestically, add up to a wonderfully lyrical morning. The ground clock with its sun dial and giant Roman numerals continues to keep time beautifully. With its stunning view, child-centric design and the splash of flora, Kamala Nehru Park is once again a go-to place for the whole family.
Safety Tip: Watch out for the equipment. Also, on days when crowds are larger, avoid sending the kids up the Old Woman’s Shoe. The stairway is narrow.
Fact file
Where: Dadyseth Agiary, Malabar Hill.
Best for: Boys and girls, two years and above
How to reach: Hail a cab from Charni Road station, which is the nearest station on the Western Railway line.
Timings: 5 am to 9 pm; open all days
Budget: Free entry
Food: No
Water: Yes There are lovely drinking water spouts
Restroom facilities: Yes
Where else to go: Hanging Gardens faces the park. Taraporevala Aquarium is another attraction that is nearby
Parent Poll: Loved the labelling of trees, and themes to suit all ages. Story and poetry themes, plaques, rainbow atrium, amphitheatre and viewing gallery won our vote
Rating: ***
Kids' Poll: Never expected to enjoy a park. Voted it as the best in the city. Lookout points and flora were also given a thumbs up.
Rating: ***
What's Good: Thoughtful design and attention to detail, including care to the flora
What's Not So Good: Some equipment in the kids' play area was damaged, days after it reopened
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