Located in the prime area of Thimphu Thromde, the Centenary Children’s Park is one of the most-used public facilities in Thimphu. It serves as a breath of fresh air amid the busy life in the city for children and families. However, the recreational facility is in desperate need of a facelift, today.
The children’s park is located opposite Changlingmithang parking and was opened to the public more than a decade ago to mark the centenary celebrations of the Wangchuck dynasty. But to date, the park underwent no major renovation. Most amenities such as canopies, benches, restrooms, and an eatery are in bad condition. And the park cries for better landscaping.
A few years ago, there were also some unpleasant incidents reported at the park. A toddler was killed due to the partially damaged entry gate.
Though the worn-out playground equipment was recently replaced, park users said more children-friendly facilities need to be developed.
“Earlier, the playground equipment was all damaged and was risky to let my children play here. Only recently I brought my children here since the slides are replaced,” said Pema Dema, a resident of Thimphu.
“I bring my children here during weekends since this park is spacious and located in the centre of the city,” added Nandalal Sharma, also a resident of Thimphu.
A caretaker of the park said people complain about the park’s poor facilities, which is valid.
“Children are at risk of falling and wounding themselves while paying in the worn-out children’s park. So I asked them not to visit the children’s park. It is quite risky since all the facilities are poor at children’s park and it needs proper maintenance,” said Pema Dorji, the Caretaker.
The new Thimphu Thrompon, who joined the office last Friday, said the maintenance project of the park is ready in paper and hopes to convert the park into a sustainable children’s park.
“There were few who even lost life, and looking at that, I think it is very important to really look at the area quite well, investigate quite well and improve so that nobody should feel hesitant to come to this park. So definitely it’s there in the paper and now it is about implementing and making it better,” said Ugyen Dorji, the Thimphu Thrompon.
Until then, visitors to the park in Thimphu will have to bear the poor and inadequate facilities. It sees about 70 people every day.
Choni Dema
