The redesign of Lions Park aims to create a comprehensive recreational space that caters to the diverse age groups and developmental needs of children. The park has been strategically divided into several zones to ensure age-appropriate play experiences while incorporating elements of education, nature, and community engagement.
The play area for children aged 0-3 focuses on developing early language skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory exploration. This zone includes a green cover earth mount with crawling tunnels, a group swing structure, a merry-go-round, a picnic meadow with acoustic play equipment like concrete phones and parabolic reflectors, and a toddler’s meadow with slides and small crawl cave domes. Resting spaces for parents and children are also provided to accommodate the needs of young children who tire easily.
For children aged 3-6, the play area emphasizes active and creative play. It includes a trampoline, an open-air theatre for imaginative performances, a rocky water creek with water play equipment like Archimedes screws, water lock gates, seesaw pumps, and playground pumps. Additionally, there are jumping discs and sound cushions, a small structure with toys and drawing boards, and a forest fountain with sprinklers and fountains of various heights.
The play area designed for children aged 6-9 encourages independent and competitive play. It features a climbing pyramid, a climbing forest, and a climbing structure, providing opportunities for physical challenges and skill development.
The play area dedicated to children aged 9-12 focuses on more challenging physical activities that test both physical and intellectual skills. It includes tracks for testing motor abilities to the limits, skating platforms, and courts for ball games, encouraging social interaction and independent play.
Throughout the park, educational walks, nature trails, and farm experiences are interwoven into the play zones. Elevated walkways, forest trails with exhibitions, and interactive displays provide opportunities for children to learn about nature and ecology while enjoying recreational activities.
The central plaza serves as the heart of the park and acts as a community gathering space. It features two main entry and exit points with ticketing and security facilities. This area also houses commercial zones with food and toy kiosks, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
To ensure convenience, existing infrastructure is repurposed to accommodate the needs of park visitors. The existing toilet block will be converted into a facility for parents, while a new toilet block will be constructed for children, featuring separate facilities for boys and girls, locker rooms, an open shower area, a differently-abled toilet, and a feeding room.
The different zones of the park are interconnected by a primary pedestrian path, 2.4 meters wide, ensuring easy access and circulation. Secondary pedestrian paths, 1.6 meters wide, primarily designed for children, link the play zones together, creating a seamless flow throughout the park.
A separate service zone is established, providing access to all other zones while housing necessary facilities such as electrical panels, waste management facilities, and a sewage treatment plant. This ensures that the park operates smoothly without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.
Preserving the existing vegetation is a key consideration in the project. The park boasts a variety of large trees that create microhabitats, including four prominent banyan trees that serve as unique place-making elements. The redesign also incorporates different layers of vegetation, creating a one-of-a-kind natural ecology experience within the park.
By combining advanced play equipment, thoughtful zoning, educational elements, and a harmonious integration with nature, the redesigned Lions Park will not only provide children with a memorable and enriching recreational experience but also serve as a vibrant community space that celebrates the cultural and historical significance of Calicut.