Park No. 7 and Its Three Passionate Volunteers
Park Number 7, once a barren and neglected space, has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the dedication of three passionate volunteers – Monika (F100 ff), Lekha Chaturvedy (102 GF), and Preeti Aggarwal (F99).
The park, initially with rough and dry ground and a massive hole in the centre, had been largely ignored by the gardener assigned to it. Undeterred by the challenges, the trio, with the support of the SRWA and MCG gardener, took matters into their own hands. Living adjacent to the park, they decided to breathe life back into it.
The first task at hand was to address the lack of grass, with flower beds confined to just one side. Despite initial resistance from the gardeners, who claimed that grass could not be grown, they took charge, ensuring daily instructions for the park’s maintenance.
‘’Lekha Aunty has been instrumental in revitalizing the park. Her keen sense of aesthetics, plant knowledge, and unwavering determination to enhance the park’s beauty have been incredibly valuable’’- says Ms Monika. Lekha Chaturvedy visits the park every morning without fail, persistently providing instructions to the gardeners even after the remarkable development of the park.
The volunteers initially contributed their own funds to buy plants and manure for the grass. Preeti Aggarwal, who lives right next to the park, consistently guided the gardeners to water the grass, especially during the scorching heat. Flower beds were introduced around the canopy which added to the park’s aesthetic. The hole in the middle of the park was eventually filled with the support of SRWA as it posed a threat to the children. These efforts continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of swings and an open gym in the park has presented a challenge, with young children playing and inadvertently damaging the newly planted saplings before they have the opportunity to grow. However, this challenge can be overcome by informing the kids to avoid certain areas in the park.
Looking ahead, the vision for Park No. 7 includes aspirations for an additional gate and a small, coloured and plastered wall. Lekha Chaturvedy, known for her aesthetic flair, introduced saplings to further enrich the greenery.
Together, Monika, Lekha, and Preeti Aggarwal have turned a neglected park into a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy, proving that a little effort from the community can create big, positive transformations.
