Sensory Park launched for children with special needs in Kohima

KOHIMA— A ‘Sensory Park’ developed by the Kohima Smart City Development Ltd. (KSCDL) and located at the Old Assembly Secretariat, was formally inaugurated by Commissioner and Secretary of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Kenilo Apon, on Tuesday.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Chief Executive Officer of KSCDL, K Theunuo, said the park is specially designed for children with special needs and key features of the park include play equipment, a Braille wall and a sound system for visually challenged children.

The park is designed to enhance the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of the children, he said.

“Unlike traditional playgrounds, it is thoughtfully designed to engage all five senses, creating a unique and enriching environment for children to explore and play. A nurturing environment for early childhood development is essential as it directly impacts a child’s physical, cognitive and emotional growth,” Theunuo said.

The CEO said the park is a first of its kind, covering an area of about 350 sq.m. and comes under the Smart City Mission’s Nurturing Neighbourhood Challenge (NNC) that focuses on the Neighbourhood Level Improvement to promote Early Childhood Development (ECD) and caregivers facilities to provide multi-sensory experiences.

The work commenced in June 2022 and was completed in April 2023, he added.

Theunuo also informed that the disabled-friendly pay-and-use toilet facility, which was inaugurated along with the park, has proper sanitation with clean and safe restrooms.

He was of the view that the facility will address the needs of local citizens, tourists and also persons with disabilities, ensuring their dignity, comfort and accessibility.

Under the NNC, the Kohima Smart City, with the help of urban planners and stakeholders, has developed a few pocket areas in Kohima including the Sensory Park.

He expressed hope for more such projects in Kohima provided land and spaces are made available and community leaders or stakeholders participate.

The CEO expressed optimism that the initiative will transform the urban landscape into a more caring, compassionate and healthier environment for everyone, especially young children.

Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Kenilo Apon, stressed the need to adapt to the fast-changing times so as to bring in new systems.

Once the government develops infrastructure, the citizens should play their part by contributing little fees for the maintenance of the facilities, Apon said.

Revenue collected as an entry fee will be used for maintaining the washrooms in the park, it was informed.

The official also pointed out that most Nagas have the habit of telling others what to do and what not to do, but they themselves fail to involve in actions. This has resulted in creating opportunities for workers outside the state, whose objective is to earn and leave, he said.

Apon urged the people to inculcate a work culture and cooperate with one another in order for development to continue.