Members of Chennai Dreamers who renovated a playground of the Greater Chennai Corporation at Valmiki Nagar in Thiruvanmiyur. Photo: M. Karunakaran | Photo Credit: M_Karunakaran Set on a modest space, a small Corporation playground on Third Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, had gone to seed. Now, thanks to efforts by youngsters from Kuppam Beach Road, the facility wears a smart look. “Earlier, the surface of the playground was uneven and it was littered with construction debris and liquor bottles. Yet, we were using it as there was no other playground in the region. Now, with the support of the residents of Valmiki Nagar and Corporation officials, we have renovated the playground,” says V. Karthik, one of the youngsters. Officials provided an excavator to clear the debris. Following the advice of residents, these youngsters planted saplings. Youngsters mobilised funds and installed a volleyball court. One free volleyball tournament has been conducted there. Plans are on to hold a tournament on April 30. “The purpose of conducting tournaments is to make youngsters use the playground frequently,” says P. Immanuel. A group of 40 youngsters, including college students and working professionals, have formed ‘Chennai Dreamers’ which will be offering free volleyball coaching for children of a government school on Kuppam Beach Road from the first week of May. Representations have been given to officials of Zone 13 for opening a gym at the playground.

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