Racecourse could get a petting zoo, amphitheatre - By Shailendra Awasthi I TOI
Posted on - 10 Aug 2013
Racecourse could get a petting zoo, amphitheatre
Nascent Plan Aimed At City Kids, Budding Artists
By Shailendra Awasthi
Times of India
Mumbai: The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) plans to become more accessible to all Mumbaikars in a bid to shed its elitist tag. The premier racing club, which already provides a huge jogging facility to thousands, aims to set up a petting zoo and an amphitheatre at the Mahalaxmi racecourse.
“We are at a very preliminary stage of planning,” RWITC chairman Khushroo Dhunjibhoy told TOI recently. “City children hardly have any connect with domestic animals such cows, sheep and goats or get a chance to feed and pet them. The idea of a petting zoo came up on the lines of the one in Central Park, New York. It will also have a picnic area, and will be only for children accompanied by elders.”
The amphitheatre is mainly aimed at encouraging amateur artists and musicians who will be able to hire it for a nominal fee.
“The amphitheatre is planned for the centre of the racecourse. Neither will interfere with the current activities of joggers, walkers or horse racing.”
The club, though, has not yet approached either the government or the BMC. “It’s too early. It is just being discussed internally. I am looking for a young and enthusiastic architect,” added Dhunjibhoy.
Civic officials said since they haven’t got the proposal, they won’t be able to comment on it. “But when it comes to us, we will see whether the proposed construction is within the norms for recreational grounds.”
With 226 acres at their disposal, providing space for the structures is unlikely to pose a challenge, said Dhunjibhoy. “The zoo will require around two acres and the amphitheatre, half an acre. The zoo is planned in one corner with direct access from the car park.”
Dhunjibhoy said the plans are part of the club’s endeavour to make the racecourse more accessible to all. “We want to take all sections of Mumbaikars and various authorities on board and share our aspirations and ideas with them.”
PETTING ZOO
It will allow space-starved city children to see, pet and feed animals such as cows and sheep. It will give them a hands-on learning experience
There will be a picnic area for kids accompanied by elders
CENTRAL PARK MODEL
It will be on the lines of the 6.5-acre Central Park Zoo in New York. The zoo has a small petting zoo and is home to goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other furry creatures. Animal food is available from dispensers, giving kids an opportunity to feed them. The troupe at the nearby Acorn Theatre performs daily shows, and children can learn different animal sounds by touching bronze sculptures of zoo animals
AMPHITHEATRE
It is mainly targeted at encouraging amateur artists and musicians, who will be able to hire it for a very nominal fee
(Dr Kercy Chavda | Child Psychiatrist) :
A petting zoo is great idea for a city like Mumbai where most live in small houses. Touching and feeding animals helps kids as they can feel their warmth and can touch different textures of skin. This also helps kids with difficulties like autism
(Mumtaz Khan (30)) :
The only place to introduce my kids to animals is Byculla zoo. I visit the racecourse for morning walk. Such a zoo where kids can touch and feed animals is more than welcome
