Hop, skip or jump: Leisure Valley Park in Gurgaon set to get a jogging track

Gurgaon: Leisure Valley Park in Sector 29 is set to get a dedicated jogging track, with GMDA inviting tenders for the project aimed at improving recreational infrastructure at one of the city’s most visited public spaces.Under the project, an eco-friendly EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) synthetic track will be developed over the existing unpaved pathway. The proposed track will be around 2 km long, 2.5 metres wide and 16 mm thick, with the project estimated to cost around Rs 3.8 crore.Officials said the selected agency will be required to complete the work within six months of allotment and maintain the track for five years.The authority said the track is being designed as a low-impact jogging surface suitable for children as well as adults. EPDM synthetic surfaces are considered durable, shock-absorbent and environment-friendly, making them suitable for recreational and fitness activities.Residents welcomed the move, saying the existing earthen track often becomes uneven and difficult to use, especially during monsoon months.Akash Ashish Kumar, a resident of DLF Phase 4, said, “I have been coming to the park for morning walks for the last seven-eight years. During rains, the track becomes muddy and uneven because of waterlogging, making it uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe for walkers and joggers. Even during summers, a lot of dust rises. A synthetic track will provide a much better experience for regular visitors.”The move comes a month after Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the development of a synthetic jogging track at the park during the inauguration of the light-and-sound show with 3D projection mapping at the park. The light-and-sound project was developed by GMDA at a cost of around Rs 8 crore.Officials said several improvement works have already been undertaken at the park, including the repair of the boundary wall and installation of lighting along walking areas. “Plantation maintenance and construction of public toilets are also being carried out under CSR support from Hyundai Motor India. One public toilet has already been completed, while another is under construction,” an official said.Officials added that a consultant has also been engaged to prepare a detailed project report for further beautification of the park.