Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, a government-recognised body with 2,132 members, is in discourse with the department of horticulture and the real estate developer, RMZ Corp, to establish the gymnasium. The company is of the same mind, in principle, to sponsor the equipment to be imported from Istanbul, Turkey.
The idea to set up the gymnasium hit the association members during their recent visit to Sankey Tank which has a similar facility having fitness equipment for upper and lower limb, waist stretching , dual walking and leg and arm exercise, among others.
According to S Umesh, president of the association, the Cubbon Park was spread over 300 acres or 1.2 sq km, and approximately 4,000-5,000 walkers every day pay a visit.
The association is considering setting up the gym near the State Central Library where sufficient space is available. “But nothing has been finalised,” Umesh said, adding that they would make an official request to the department of horticulture soon.
The gym was sponsored by RMZ Corp at Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Tank, Low Level Park (Sadashivanagar), the park in Koramangala 5th Block and M N Krishna Rao Park at Basavangudi.
Arjun Menda, its founder said that the gymnasium equipment is to be imported from Istanbul would be provided if the association agreed to certain conditions: maintaining the equipment, providing adequate space for the facility, strengthening security,etc.
In talks with Deccan Herald, the director of Horticulture, D L Maheshwar, that a committee would discuss whether the proposal was viable before giving the nod. As said by Umesh that it would take two to four weeks to set up the gym once the department gave its affirmation. He said the facility would be open to regular walkers as well as casual visitors.