Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Aug 28: Joggers Park at the helipad at Maryhill here has been turning into a favourite destination for those seeking to while away time, do some exercises and go on a stroll. The area is getting more beautiful with time.
The ground has a number of trees like tamarind, purple fruit, gooseberry, neem etc around it. Harish Padavinangady, assistant police inspector, who is a nature lover and people like him have got platforms built around the trees and planted Tulsi plants under the trees and thereby provided an ideal environment for those who want to do exercises and medication. During summer, the weather is hot here, and many who come here to exercise, bring water in cans and water the plants. As a result, several trees have come up here. The area is breezy and hence hundreds of people come here from dawn to dusk to play and to enjoy nature.
The spot where people exercise is off-limits for vehicles, and even there is no scope for learning driving. Even though there are boards prohibiting these things, many used to ride vehicles at high speed and indulge in wheeling etc. When people tried to advise them, they used to behave haughtily. Therefore, to stop the entry of vehicles, a trench has been created all along the ground with JCB after which the people are relieved of vehicular disturbances.
Taking note of the fact that people come here at night, consume liquor and strew food and other waste around, dustbins have been provided all around the ground. The police have been keeping a vigil to stop people from consuming liquor here. The patrol vehicle comes and waits here for some time at night.
A M Prasad was the inspector general of police of western range during the year 2008. His mother Pushpa Prasad, used to come to the helipad ground in the evening for taking a walk. There was no provision to sit down, and a snake had come near the spot where she was sitting. After that, some plants were planted and a platform was built for senior citizens. In the past, some plants had died, but now the plants are growing well as they get watered on a daily basis. The specific Pushpa Prasad memorial platform has been earmarked for senior citizens. At present, there are five to six such platforms.
Harish Padavinangady agrees that Maryhill helipad is an ideal spot for those who want to take a stroll and that he has been doing exercises here since his student days. He said that the ground provides a good ambience for the people to come here with friends and spend time as vehicles have been barred from entering the ground.