Dinesh Kamath's news 'Charges to be hiked at Wonders Park of Nerul?' that was published in Newsband

Charges to be hiked at Wonders Park of Nerul?

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation seems to be badly in need of cash and hence to generate revenue, NMMC is seriously thinking of hiking charges for renting out space for organizing private events at Wonders Park in sector 19, Nerul. If the proposal to hike charges at Wonders Park is approved in the General Body Meet then there is bound to be commotion among many residents of the city since for many of them this park is a regular place they visit for recreation purpose.

It is true that NMMC allows its premises in the park to be used for much lower price than private venues. But if the charges are beyond reasonable limit then there is bound to be complaints after complaints being sent by city residents to the NMMC office. There is indeed a growing demand to rent space inside the park. But if the prices are hiked many customers may avoid coming to the park thus leading to revenue loss for the civic body.

The park is constructed over an area of 98,000 sq m and has 4,329 sq m green zone, which is given on rent for hosting picnics and functions. It also has an amphitheater with 1,000 seating capacity to organize various events.

Wonder Park, Navi Mumbai located in Nerul is a picnic spot frequented by locals and tourists alike. This high tech park has many attractions for the whole family. It was built on approximately 30 acres of land and is maintained by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

As the name suggests the main attraction here are the replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World including Taj Mahal. There are high tech joy rides and a toy train in the Park. There are jogging and cycling tracks; a Giant Chess Board and Horse Cart rides inside the Park. There are also many eye catching sculptures inside the Park. Photography is permitted inside.

Most people are attracted to Nerul's Wonders Park only to witness the miniature sculptures of the 'Seven wonders of the world'. It is these replicas from which the park has got its name. All of these miniatures are placed next to each other and are situated towards the left side after entering from the main gate. Metal plaques have been placed near each of these sculptures that gives all the basic information about each of the seven wonders. There are high tech joy rides and a toy train in the Park. There are jogging and cycling tracks; a Giant Chess Board and Horse Cart rides inside the park, well-equipped play area for children with a nice rubber-like flooring, the lazy river, the Khandoli lake, the open air amphitheatre and others. There are also many eye catching sculptures inside the Park.

Considering that this beautiful park consists of many attractions, it draws people of all ages and all classes to this place and it has been affordable for a common man too. The question is whether the hike in charges will lead to making this park accessible to only the privileged class since the common man might not be able to afford the increased price.