People in Bajo town of Wangdue Phodrang now need not go around looking for a place to spend their free time or socialize with others. The newly opened recreational park is expected to cater to people of all ages. The park was constructed at a cost of more than Nu 20 M.
Gadhen Lingka, the central park of Bajo town is spread over an area of more than one acre. One of the main attractions is in the evenings when one can enjoy the colourful water fountain.
The park also has open spaces with shade and an open-air theatre for all kinds of performances. On one side, there is also a children’s playground with swings and other facilities. There is a path for people to walk or jog around for exercise as well. The park, dedicated to His Majesty The King, was an initiative of the Dzongkhag Administration. According to the Dzongda Sonam Jamtsho, the main objective was to create a nice place where people from children to the elderly can come and enjoy their leisure time.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson, Tenzin Wangchuk, said till now people did not have a proper place to spend their free time. “The people needed a place to exercise, they also wanted a place to socialize and interact with friends. So, this park will serve this purpose and provide other benefits as well”.
“We have solar power supply here and will not have to rely on hydroelectricity. So, it has some cost benefits as well, as we do not have to pay the electric bills,” said Passang Dorji, the Planning Officer of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Administration. “Moreover, these lights have weather sensors, so the lights will turn on automatically when it gets dark.”
The park is lit brightly with 40 solar-powered lights. CCTV cameras will also be installed soon for security.
The park is also expected to have other benefits such as increase visitors which would mean customers for local businesses.
People say the new park has added to the town’s looks. “Bajo town was already beautiful and it has become more beautiful with this park,” said Sangay, a resident of Bajo town.
The construction of the park began in 2019. It was constructed under the Bajo Town Beautification project. Under the same project, a mini-park was also constructed above Bajo town which was opened a few months ago.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
