Porvorim: Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Thursday inaugurated the Divyaranjan Park, Goa’s first children’s park designed for children with disabilities. Speaking after unveiling the plaque, Khaunte said Goa is the first state to adopt an inclusive approach that gives persons with disabilities equal access to public facilities. He said children with disabilities are future citizens and deserve spaces where they can play alongside other children.
The park has been developed by the Tourism Department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation at a cost of Rs 2.53 crore. It includes a wheelchair swing, a four-seater merry-go-round with safety straps, a two-seater swing with straps, and a multi-activity play station. The park also has a futsal ground with artificial turf and toilet blocks for men, women, and persons with disabilities. Khaunte said the government plans to hand over the park’s maintenance to Sanjay School after discussion with the Chief Minister.
Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities Chairman Guruprasad Pawaskar said the park is the state’s first such facility and stressed the need for universal design in public infrastructure.
