Ghaziabad Development Authority is set to construct the gym as residents express mixed feelings.
An open-air gym in Vaishali
Keeping in mind the health and well-being of residents of the city, Ghaziabad Development Authority is set to construct the city's largest open-air gym in City Forest, a green entertainment zone near Raj Nagar Extension.
Officials of GDA's horticulture department told City Spidey that according to their proposal, gyms would also be opened in Rani Avanti Bai Park in Indirapuram, Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Shastri Nagar, and in a few other locations.
The open-air gyms will be built on a concrete platform, which will be covered with artificial turf. Speaking to City Spidey, Govind Singh, horticulture incharge of GDA, said that a single unit of the gym would be equipped with around 15 instruments and be built on area of 500 sqm. “The area will be further fenced with a green mesh and net fencing. Each unit will cost Rs 12-15 lakhs” said Singh.
On being asked about charges for using the gym, Singh said that no money was being charged for the existing gyms. “We are also planning to install the gyms in public-private partnership mode. The gyms and the equipment will be installed and maintained by private agencies free of cost who can charge money and recover their cost from users over a contract period of time. Nothing has been finalised yet,” added Singh.
An open-air gym in Vaishali
The GDA has already installed six open-air gyms in various locations in Ghaziabad. The gyms were installed in Green Park and Swarnjayanti Park in Indirapuram, Ambedkar Park in Vaishali, Ram Manohar Lohia Park in Rajendra Nagar, Nehru Stadium in Nehru Nagar and Central Park in Rajnagar.
However, residents of high-rise societies gave a mixed response to the issue. While some residents said that their requirement of a gym was fulfilled by their in-society gyms, others considered it a good initiative provided there was proper maintenance.
Shweta Jain, a resident of Shipra Krishna Vista, Indirapuram, said, “We normally go to the park for jogging or for morning and evening strolls. It will be nice to try out the equipment sometime.”
Kapil Singhal, a resident of Niho Scottish Gardens, Indirapuram, said that the equipment in the existing gyms were in serious need of maintenance. “I have been to the gym in Swarn Jayanti Park quite a few times and it has been a pleasant experience. Although the equipment is very good, they require regular maintenance. Moreover, residents must also use the equipment without damaging them as there is no guard or other personnel to look after it,” added Singhal.
