Demand grows for special needs park in Madurai South

Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC) has urged the Madurai Corporation to convert the Barrister George Joseph Park in Balarangapuram into a dedicated park for people with special needs.

In a petition submitted to Corporation Commissioner Gaurav Kumar and Madurai South MLA M M Gopison, the association highlighted the poor condition of the park and proposed its redevelopment as an inclusive recreational space.

The park is currently in a dilapidated state, with damaged play equipment, sparse greenery and inadequate maintenance. Association members said the absence of a gate and security has led to misuse of the premises, while the surrounding area is often used for dumping waste.

A Balamurugan, district president of TARATDAC, said the proposed facility would benefit nearly 3,000 differently abled people in the area. “People with special needs in the city do not have enough accessible outdoor spaces, confining many to their homes. The park is intended to be a peaceful, stress-free environment that offers psychological relief and relaxation,” he said.

The association has proposed installing physiotherapy equipment, mobility aids, sensory and cognitive training tools, and colour-coded learning facilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Balamurugan said the proposed park would be modelled on the special needs park in Madurai North, while offering more therapy sessions and extended operating hours.

In a petition submitted to Madurai Corporation Commissioner Gaurav Kumar and Madurai South MLA M M Gopison, the association sought the conversion of the Barrister George Joseph Park in Balarangapuram into a dedicated park for people with special needs.