the goan I network
MAPUSA
“We have plans to build four more fitness parks in key areas in Calangute constituency in the near future. Eventually, we will have parks in every ward of the village provided we get land,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA, who is also the deputy speaker, was speaking after inaugurating the St Lawrence Children’s & Outdoor Park at Sinquerim in Candolim panchayat area on Tuesday evening.
The theme park with fitness as focus has a walking track and some outdoor exercising equipment, besides slides and other playthings to attract the kids.
“Nowadays, people live a sedentary lifestyle. My aim is to help families come out and exercise and spend time in the open air,” Lobo said.
He said the whole family can come out and spend time in the park.
“While senior citizens could use the walking track and youngsters could use the fitness equipment to exercise,” he said.
Similar kind of park is planned at the main entrance to the Candolim beach and another one at Arradi near the garbage dump site. The NGPDA chairman further informed that the government has also proposed a football ground near the fitness park at Sinquerim. Conceptualized and planned by Calangute ZP member Shawn Martins, the park was constructed by the North Goa Zilla Panchayat at a cost of Rs 65 lakh.
“It took almost 10 months for us to put the plan into action and convince the panchayat authorities to fund the project,” Martins said. The Fabrica de Igreja de Linhares has donated land for the park. North Goa ZP Chairperson Ankita Navelkar, Candolim Sarpanch Sandra Fialho, St Lawrence Church Parish Priest Fr Rodney Rebello and other panch members were also present.
