Thiruvananthapuram gets its first inclusive public park for differently abled persons

The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation in Kerala has converted a landmark public recreation ground into an inclusive destination designed to cater to the needs of differently abled children and adults.

The Corporation has revamped Captain Lakshmi Park, named after the iconic freedom fighter, into a lush public garden with wheelchair access and adaptive playground equipment, creating an inclusive play space.

The park, situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, opposite the historic Kanakakunnu Palace, has been renamed Captain Lakshmi Inclusive Park. 

Children at the revamped park
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

Conceived by the City Corporation and developed under the supervision of the Central Institute on Mental Retardation, Thiruvananthapuram (CIMR), the 1.3-acre park area is fully funded by CSR funds from a software major in Technopark. 

“It took three months of liaison and six months of actual design and redevelopment work to bring the park to life. Each design element and amenities have been carefully curated, keeping in mind the needs of differently abled children and adults, with separate differently-abled-friendly toilet and safe play areas,” says Sister Elise Mary, a senior faculty of CIMR.

“We also want to see parents of special children come here and let their children be free and take time to relax. Often, parents of special children hardly get the time to relax as their children may require constant attention. We hope this space helps that cause,” adds Sister Elise.

New amphitheatre

Apart from the newly developed inclusive play area with musical instruments and games, the park can now host small events at the new amphitheatre, which seats about 100 guests. The park also has a ‘Pop-up Space’ shaped like a moving cart — a library and a reading space with a wide selection of books, charging points, and a drinking water kiosk. 

The Pop-up Space at the park
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

“It was a challenging project. Our focus was on reducing the risk of injuries to users in the play area. We used EPDM (synthetic rubber) flooring for the play area which is generally used for high-impact playgrounds and running tracks,” says Nithin, the project’s architect, structural engineer and landscaper. 

Christopher Gnanaraj, a resident of Plamoodu and father of 20-year-old Suseel, who uses a wheelchair, shares his excitement as he explains why Captain Lakshmi Park is the only park with a wheelchair-accessible swing in the city.

“My son has always looked on and wondered as a child when other children could play in the swing when we visit parks. Now, at the age of 20, he can play on the specially made swing for the first time. We are planning to make it part of our routine to visit the park,” says Mr. Gnanaraj.