Walkers complain of poor upkeep of amenities on Race Course Road

The damaged exercise equipment at the open gym on Race Course Road in Tiruchi.
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Regular walkers around the Anna Stadium on Race Course Road in the city have complained of poor maintenance of the walking track and the open gyms and parks established alongside.

The walkers track attracts a large number of residents in the locality during mornings and evenings. The Tiruchi Corporation, a few years ago, developed the track and established a couple of open gyms and roadside parks. Although the facilities were well patronised, over a period of time, many equipment at the gyms were damaged or had worn out, users complain.

In a recent representation to the Tiruchi Corporation Commissioner, the coordinators of the Walkers Association of Race Course Road, D. Annadurai, H. Ghouse Baig, and K. Thomas, said the walkers track and the associate facilities were languishing without proper upkeep.

“Plants along the walking track are withering for want for regular watering. The decorative lamps have been damaged and are not functional. Since the track and the parks are being used regularly by walkers, youth and children, they should be properly maintained,” they said in the representation.

“ A public toilet has not been opened for more than a year. The equipment at the open gym opposite to EVR College have remained broken for a year now. There are four light fittings in the gym. But only one light is functioning. In the nearby children’s park there are two light posts but none are functioning,” Mr. Baig told The Hindu.

Another open gym and children’s park were opened in the same track opposite to the camp office of CE/PWD in recent months. But the gym and the park do not have lighting at all.

“A lot of public money was spent on developing the walking zone. But the prevailing state of affairs is baffling and walkers do not feel at home. Despite repeated reminders the issues have not been set right,” Mr. Baig said.

Corporation sources said bushes alongside the walking track were cleaned recently.