AROUND 30 per cent of the wards in Dhaka city do not have any playground or park, which particularly harms the mental and physical well-being of children as they have no space to play and interact with friends. In the South City Corporation, 25 out of 75 wards and in North City Corporation, 10 out of 55 wards do not have a single park or playground. For 20 million residents of the city, there should have been dozens of parks and playgrounds in every ward.
As most wards do not have a playground, those that do have are overwhelmed by the huge demand for the space. There’s a dearth of open spaces, and the ones that are available get too crowded. Ultimately many children are discouraged to go to the few playgrounds that are there. Urban planners say a city requires three types of the playgrounds — a playlot or small ground for children aged between three and eight; a semi-ground for children between 8-14, and an international standard field for people aged 15 and above.
Planners also say three types of parks – a small one for each neighbourhood, one for each community and a big city park — are also required for a city to be viable for living. Ideally, a neighbourhood park is required for every 5,000 people while a community park is necessary for 20,000-30,000 people in a ward. In absence of enough playgrounds and parks, children may develop depression and mental illnesses. Urban planners said Dhaka has been expanded based on economic demand but public health was not taken into consideration during the planning.
Those who cannot stay physically active lose nutrition. When a child plays regularly, his mind and body reach balance. He also becomes part of a community of kids during the play and learns, socialising in a healthy environment. Physical activity enables children to be mentally stimulated and find joy in their studies as well.
Renovation of existing playgrounds and parks is not enough to overcome their shortage. The city authorities must create new urban green spaces, playlot and recreation spaces to meet the recreation needs of young people.
