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Coimbatore to have a premier recreation destination soon

Coimbatore to have a premier recreation destination soon

Time of India19 hours ago
Coimbatore: For a city that is short of recreation areas for its residents, semmozhi park would be a huge relief. Spread across 45 acres, the park would feature a giant Ferris wheel, a zipline and a rainforest, among other attractions.
Announced in 2010 by then chief minister M Karunanidhi, the park is now set to be inaugurated by chief minister M K Stalin on August 15, if everything goes well. It was Stalin who laid the foundation stone for the project in December 2023.
Work on the project is progressing at a brisk pace on the land that earlier housed the central prison at Gandhipuram. According to official sources, 85% of the work has been completed.
The state govt was earlier planning to open the park in June this year.
However, it was delayed because of the changes in the design to accommodate more adventure facilities, which are expected to boost the number of visitors.
According to an official source, the zipline and Ferries wheel would be set up under the public-private partnership on a build, operate and transfer model.
A senior corporation official said the city folk could now experience a realistic rainforest journey at the park.
The rainforest would feature native species.
The semmozhi park would also house a convention centre, selfie spots for visitors, open-air gym, botanical garden featuring 219 endangered species of plants and trees mentioned in Sangam literature, and a herbal garden with 2,500 traditional trees of TN and medicinal plants.
Another highlight is terracotta murals designed by the artist who did the job for the semmozhi park in Chennai.
While the terracotta murals are ready, they are yet to be installed as work on the footpath is still pending.
When contacted, city corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said now that work on the pipeline connecting the Ukkadam sewage treatment plant to get treated work was over, the project was being implemented at a brisk pace. "We are inspecting the work at regular intervals to ensure quality as well. Semmozhi park is poised to become a premier destination in Coimbatore city, blending ecological richness and recreational facilities.
The park will offer a unique experience for visitors."
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