Ranchi: Urban development minister and local MLA C.P. Singh on Monday inaugurated the renovated Dada Dadi park at Morabadi, now renamed as Ranchi Nagar Nigam Children Park, and the Swami Vivekanand Smriti Park at Kokar where the Distillery Talab used to exist.

Developed at a cost of Rs 1.37 crore, the 5-acre Dada Dadi park, close to Ranchi College, has an open gym on a circular cemented platform loaded with body fitness equipment such as benchpress and various contraptions for exercise of the lower and upper body. Among the other installations that has been tastefully landscaped are a separate play area for children with slides and a roller coaster. A canteen, three fountains and walking trails have also been set up. There is a high-mast light tower to ensure illumination at night.

The park at Kokar, spread over 2 acres, has been developed at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore. Apart from an 80x60 sq-ft pond in the middle of the park, there is a lawn with gardens and a pathway for morning walkers. In a corner, there is play area for children equipped with slides, roller coaster and a see-saw. Besides proper lighting arrangements, there's a washroom, too. Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) had begun the process to develop the century-old dirty pond and its surrounding areas as a model green and aquatic fun zone in 2015.

Addressing a gathering, Singh said more such parks would be developed in the city. "If we get space, we will develop similar parks in each ward. Parks help keep the city green and give children a proper place to play," Singh said.

Municipal commissioner Shantanu Agrahari said he would soon hire a private agency to run it properly. "We will soon float a tender to hand over the park to a private party for maintenance. The entry fee is likely to be between Rs 5 and Rs 10. It will, however, be free for children below five years," Agrahari said.