Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9: Madhusudan Das Park, the biggest amusement centre in Pokhariput, has undergone a makeover.

The park had got an open-air gymnasium on September 1 on the foundation day of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), while children's rides were renovated and new jogging and walking tracks were laid last week.

Rashmi Das, a homemaker from Ananta Vihar, said: "The children's rides were lying neglected for years. I am happy that new rides are now in place."

Earlier, The Telegraph had done several stories highlighting the poor condition of the park. In September 2013, it published a report on how the park was wallowing in neglect, while it carried a report on the plans to develop the park in March this year.

The park is frequented by hundreds of children and morning walkers. People from Bhimatangi Housing Board Colony, Pokhariput BDA colonies, Bhaktamadhu Nagar, Jagamara and even Khandagiri visit the area.

BDA chief horticulturist (in-charge) Ashok N. Dhar said: "We have undertaken several steps to revamp the park with new children's rides, jogging and walking tracks and there is a plan to set up a platform for yoga practitioners. We are going to focus on all major parks as the smart city programme emphasises on open space and parks."

A plan is also there to extend the jogging and walking tracks in future, Dhar said.

Vicky Parida, a Class-IX student of DAV Public School, Pokhariput, said: "The new rides are exciting addition to the park."

Babuli Swain, another resident of Pokhariput, said: "Fitness freaks are happy to have got the open-air gymnasium."