Jamshedpur, Dec. 9: Ask about teakwood and most people start reminiscing about their grandfather's furniture. But now, children and adults alike will discover what teak trees look like in their natural glory, right in the heart of the steel city.

On December 12, 1,000 teak saplings - Tectona grandis - will be planted on 8 acres of reclaimed land in Baridih on the eastern part of the city, which Jusco is developing as Teak Park.

This unique green lung will be the second biggest dedicated green lung in the city after Jubilee Park and arguably the only one displaying this prized tropical hardwood species, which has for centuries been felled to build furniture, homes and boats.

"But what we have to showcase to people, especially children, is the inherent grandeur of the teak trees and its foliage. We have reclaimed this land from encroachers and goons and are happy to transform it into a unique park for steel city residents, particularly those in Baridih, Tube Baridih and Tinplate Colony, which don't have any park for the local populace," Jusco spokesperson Rajesh Rajan told The Telegraph today.

The development of the park, which Jusco's horticultural and town planning wing is carrying out, is being done in two phases.

Right now, the boundary wall has been raised and a bulk of the land has been dug and prepared to plant the 1,000 teak saplings on December 12.

"We will use wastewater recycled from a nearby drain to water the saplings. Surface drip irrigation system will maximise the benefits of irrigation," he added. "Teak grows fast, so in the months ahead, residents can look forward to brilliant green cover at this park," Rajan said.

In the next phase, in February 2017, work would start in another patch of land for pathways for joggers and walkers, a children's corner with swings, seesaw, slides, pull-up bars, wrought iron benches and landscaping with ornamental plants. The park will have drinking water points along with urinals and toilets separate for men and women.