00:05In Karnataka, Shivmoga District, one park tells a more complicated story.
00:13Green, scenic and popular, yet carrying both visitor complaints and the memory of tragedy.
00:22Near National Highway 206 stands Timaka Tree Park,
00:25a sprawling nearly 12-acre recreation space in Shivmoga Taluk.
00:31Dense greenery, shaded walkways, bamboo species, ornamental plants and open play areas
00:37make it an attractive destination for families, tourists and nature lovers.
00:45At first glance, it appears to be the kind of public park many Indian cities would envy.
00:50But visitors say the picture changes on closer inspection.
00:58Complaints range from damaged children's equipment to missing drinking water facilities and inadequate visitor amenities.
01:04Some play equipment shows signs of rust, wear and neglect.
01:08Despite attracting tourists from different districts, visitors say the basics remain missing.
01:17This park is really good. Even though it is hot outside, the atmosphere here is cool.
01:24Their deer statues are attractive.
01:26But earlier, a child died after sitting on an animal statue that fell.
01:32People should not make children sit on statues just for photographs.
01:36The park's story changed dramatically in 2024.
01:40A four-year-old child visiting the family reportedly sat on a deer statue for a photograph.
01:46According to accounts, the structure collapsed.
01:49The child sustained severe injuries and later died.
01:53Following the accident, the park remained closed for nearly one and a half years.
01:58Only in late 2025 did authorities reopen it after clean-up and restoration work.
02:06But locals say tourist football has still not fully recovered.
02:10Even visitors who admire the park's environment continue to raise concerns over facilities and maintenance.
02:21This park is very green and beautiful.
02:24There is a toilet facility here, but drinking water must be arranged,
02:27especially in summer when children get tired after playing.
02:31Visitors say a Rs. 10 entry fee alone is not enough justification without improved infrastructure.
02:37They are asking for safer play equipment, drinking water, better roads,
02:41clearer signboards, CCTV surveillance and improved visitor convenience.
02:45Many believe the park has enormous potential, but only if maintenance keeps pace with its popularity.
02:56The tree park is very nice. Some of the toys children use should be repaired.
03:02Drinking water, snacks, fruits and additional animal statues would make the park even more attractive.
03:09Forest officials acknowledge that prolonged closure damaged some infrastructure.
03:14They say repair work and further development are planned.
03:21The adventure equipment has been damaged because the park remained closed for years.
03:27It will be repaired as soon as possible. Drinking water arrangements will also be made.
03:33Unlike many stories in the last playground campaign,
03:36Shimoga's Timakatri Park is not defined by total decay.
03:41It has greenery, biodiversity and space to breathe.
03:44But this park also reflects a larger truth about India's public recreation spaces.
03:50Beauty alone does not guarantee safety.
03:52Families need more than scenic landscapes.
03:55They need maintained infrastructure, basic facilities and playgrounds where children can play without hidden risk.
04:02We'll see you next time.
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