Entrance to the Gandhi Park after renovation. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, March 3: The development authority has renovated the Gandhi Park, which is located near Commissioner Colony in the town.

The park, which is spread across two acres along Jai Chhak-Dhanupali Road, was developed in 2006. However, it had been lying neglected for long. The Sambalpur Development Authority’s renovation and beatification work have given a new lease of life to the park.

The pathways of the park have been widened for evening and morning walkers, while a rose garden has also been developed here. Plantation has been taken up, while new decorative lights have also been installed.

Water supply connection to the park has also begun, while several beautiful painting and art works have been installed on its boundary wall.

“The look of the park has completely changed now. Hundreds of people come to the park for morning and evening walk,” said local resident Santosh Sahu.

“Following renovation of the park, we have now found a new place in the town to recreate. A handful of recreational places, which exist in the city, are lying neglected. But, we are happy that the authorities have taken steps to renovate the Gandhi Park,” said Smruti another local resident Ranjan Lenka.

“There is an acute shortage of children’s play area in the town. However, with renovation of the Gandhi Park, the children of the locality at least found a place to play,” said Mita Pattnaik, a homemaker.

“The Gandhi Park has been converted into a very beautiful place now. The authorities should also take initiative to renovate other parks of the city,” said Daitari Samantray, who visited the park today. “A sum of Rs 14.20 lakh was spent on the renovation and beautification of the park,” said chairperson of the development authority Bijaya Mohanty.