The Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops is in the process of transforming one of the most famous landmarks in the city - the Guindy Race Course. The place where horses and their jockeys made or broke fortunes is quietly shaping into an eco-park that even while under construction is an isle of peace and quiet amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
The first phase of the project is being carried out on the 118-acre land where the Greater Chennai Corporation has created four ponds and deepened two lakes. It has also created bio-swales, which are channels that allow the flow of rainwater that will be filtered by plants and natural vegetation throughout the boundary of the park. These are meant to let the water percolate into the ground and also prevent flooding in the locality.
“A viewing point from the highest spot at the centre will be created from where the entire park would be visible. A bridge is being constructed to reach the man-made island inside the other lake. There are three islands inside the waterbodies,” explained a source associated with the project.
Among the other features planned in the first phase are a pathway with compacted mud, a bicycle track, parking space and visitor amenities on about 25 acres of land that is expected to be completed by October this year at a cost of ₹37.85 crore, explained a source in the department.
Avenue tree planting has been carried out along internal pathways, with 495 trees planted across a 2.5-kilometre stretch. The plantations include native and ornamental species such as Magizham, Shenbagham, Nagalingam, Kadambam, Punnai, Pungan, Naval, and Tabebuia. In addition to tree planting, bund strengthening around water bodies and the establishment of a nursery for plant propagation have been initiated. The park also has a nursery selling seeds, saplings and plants, and gardening needs at affordable prices. The nursery also sells herbal plants and seedlings of vegetable plants.
In the upcoming phases, the project envisages the development of herbal gardens highlighting traditional Siddha medicinal plants, offering educational opportunities on indigenous knowledge systems. Waterfront landscapes will form an integral part of the park experience. Natural lake edges, wetlands, and bird habitat islands are planned to create thriving ecosystems within the park, while also providing serene spaces for visitors to relax and observe nature.