When in Bandra, taking a stroll through the fancy cafes and public spots, is on everyone’s itinerary. But what a lot of people don’t know, are the hidden or underrated spots around, that are visited mostly by locals! So, here’s all you need to know about the 34-year-old Joggers’ Park in Bandra – a green space, offering a breath of fresh air by the sea.
A Quick Recap!
A little bit of history before we start off!
So Joggers’ Park, seated at the southern end of Carter Road, was conceived in 1990 by Oliver Andrade – a resident of Bandra. Oliver Andrade was fondly referred to as ‘Sir’ as he was a hockey and football coach at Mumbai’s St. Theresa’s Boys High School, St. Stanislaus High School and Sacred Heart Boys High School.
In an effort to encourage greenery in Bandra, Oliver wanted to turn a dump yard in to a park. After receiving go-ahead from authorities, Oliver raised money for the park by conceiving three construction companies based in Bandra.
As a result of his effort, Lokhandwala Builders, Raheja Builders annd Rizvi Builders agreed to develop the park, pro bono. What’s interesting is that the founders of all three companies were former students of Oliver and were more than happy to help!
A Walk in the Park!
Bandra’s most well-maintained, scenic, huge Joggers’ Park is a stretch of green pride, for a city crunched for space. The seaside park offers a gorgeous sunset view of the sea that you can enjoy whilst sitting on a wooden bench. Our favourite section however, has to be the in the middle with the pond, bridge and geese waddling in the water. Right beside that, you’ll find the lots of kids enjoying in the Kids‘ zone with swing sets and fancy equipment.
The park is also home to a 400-metre-long oval path, wide enough to accommodate everyone from runners to joggers and slow walkers. After completing your exercise session at Jogger’s Park, you can head down to the nearby Candies Cafe for a quick bite.
Jogger’s Park had also been in news earlier for a revamp project on the lines of Japanese Zen gardens. However, after residents put up a stiff opposition to the proposed facelift, BMC agreed to rejig the revamp plan for the green lung of Bandra. Help maintain the property and make sure you don‘t carry anything objectionable inside, like cigarettes and food.
Quick Tip: Women are advised to visit a washroom, before coming to the park, as there isn’t any dedicated facility for them.
Knock Knock
Over the last few years, Mumbai has witnessed a steady decline in air quality, due to the boom in construction activity. Having said that, there’s an urgent need for open spaces where we can catch a breath of fresh air. Therefore, the need to make occasional trips to the city’s parks is more than earlier.
Timing: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Best time to visit: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai
