Midday closure at Thirunagar science park leaves visitors disappointed

Madurai: Residents visiting the recently opened Thirunagar Science Park were left frustrated after finding it shut in the middle of the day and operating on timings they say are inconvenient compared to other parks in the city.The park, set up by Ankidyne at an estimated cost of ₹2.7 crore, features interactive exhibits explaining basic physics concepts and models highlighting ISRO's space missions. While the initiative was initially welcomed as a refreshing blend of education and recreation outside the classroom, parents and children now say the limited and staggered hours are defeating its purpose. According to residents, the park opens around 10.30am and shuts by 12.30pm, only to reopen from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. "It is too late for morning walkers, and by the time it opens, children are already in school," said a Thirunagar resident, pointing out that the two-hour evening window is also too short for meaningful engagement. M Pandiarajan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, suggested that the park should open earlier, preferably by 6.30am or 7am, to allow families to visit before work and school. He also recommended extending evening hours beyond 6.30pm to give students more time after school. He further urged corporation schools to organise regular visits so that children can use the exhibits to understand scientific theories in a practical and enjoyable manner. A corporation official said Ankidyne will manage the park until February 2027 and currently determines its operating hours. He added that the corporation would coordinate with the firm to explore the possibility of advancing the morning opening time to improve public access. MSID:: 128677830 413 |