New projects and townships today face the lack of outdoor spaces as a major threat to healthy living, writes Percy S Chowdhry, Director of Rustomjee Group. While, it is essential to be tech-savvy to be in the loop of today’s life moving at faster pace, it is also important for kids to experience a wholesome environment which encourages them to enhance their complete potential which if denied can result into tremendous academic pressure, restrictive & regimented lifestyles.

For this very reason, open green spaces are important as they help in soothing the minds of the children who are under tremendous pressure to perform. According to a recent report by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region-Environment Improvement Society, Mumbai has only 30 sq km of open spaces, of which only 10.5 sq km are freely accessible to the public, which works out to a little over 9 sq ft, per person. Also, the physical infrastructure witnesses’ growth of commercial or residential properties, but not too many think about leaving an open space for a playground, or a cricket pitch in the premises; they get it replaced by a modern club house or a banquet hall.

Health experts believe the disappearing parks and playgrounds are redefining growing up for GenNext. In a city like Mumbai, where closely set apartments have become the norm, it is difficult to find open spaces and recreational areas that are essential not only for the physical growth of children, but also improve their mental well-being.

Developers have the opportunity to create spaces that can provide a healthier living to the kids and taking cognizance of the fact that there is a scarcity of open spaces in the city, they are creating open spaces within the premises in order to encourage kids to take up outdoor activities within the premises. Further, residential townships are partnering with sports management companies to develop sports infrastructure facilities in large township projects to ensure healthier lifestyle for children and the entire family. Sports Management Companies are also tying with developers across Tier I & Tier II cities to set up integrated sports infrastructure in residential townships.

Not just townships, individual projects are also focusing on setting up sports facilities and academies like basketball, lawn tennis, cricket or swimming in the premises to encourage children for outdoor sports. Different child spaces for different age group, these days has become a basic amenity that developers are providing. Use of EPDM mats in kids plays area, corrosion proof swings, minimal steelwork are used as safeguard measures in the play areas for kids. Modern playgrounds in the projects also have recreational equipment such as seesaw, swing set, chin up bars, spring rider, play structures; many of these will help children to develop physical coordination, strength and flexibility as well as providing recreation.

Developers are also encouraging a lot more green open spaces in the building premises to create a healthy environment for its inhabitants and bring kids closer to nature through nature trails amidst the hustle-bustle surrounding them.

With the aim to curb the diminishing outdoor sports and belief that outdoor play equips children not only with physical exercise, but contributes to overall well-being, and also teaches interacting with nature, developing friendships and becoming independent, developers are coming ahead with innovative kids zone in the premises. So the next time, before we make efforts to shelter children from the harsh gaze of the tropical sun and putting them more at risk, with increasing incidence of Vitamin D deficiency and making them obese and can rather plan for their outdoor activities.

By Percy S Chowdhry,