While many complain about the ill-maintained parks in the city, a few residents’ associations, instead of cribbing, have joined hands with the Chennai Corporation to maintain the parks in their neighbourhood.

One such public garden, maintained by RajaAnnamalaipuram Residents Association (RAPRA), is situated on 7th Main Road in R.A.Puram. It presents a picture of greenery, with walls sporting images of animals, birds and cartoon characters. The residents of the locality have come together to maintain the parks without relying on the civic body.

“Prior to 2014, this was also like any other park — ill maintained. But ever since the residents took over five years ago, things have changed. We pooled in money to purchase gym equipment, laid pebble path and even purchased CCTV cameras, recently,” said V. Sreenivasan, ex-joint-secretary, RAPRA.

Apart from this, the association — headed by R. Chandrasekhar, president, S. Ravikumar, secretary and treasurer — has also roped in an experienced gardener, who also doubles up as the watchman, to maintain the flowering plants. “We have set up a canopy in the park to protect the walkers from sun and rain,” added Mr. Sreenivasan. Another park is the one in R.K. Nagar, Mandaveli, maintained by Tiruveedhi Amman Koil Street Residents’ Association (TAKSRA) and the residents of R.K. Nagar. “People used to dump garbage in front of the park. Now, with the help of Chennai Corporation, we are going in for door-to-door collection of garbage. We are also composting wet waste in every household,” said K.L. Balasubramanian, member, TAKSRA.

Besides they are creating awareness among residents and children about maintaining the park. “We educate them on overseeing cleanliness, watering the plants and ensuring that anti-social elements don’t loiter in the public garden,” he added.