REVITALIZING A SMALL OPEN SPACE FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY OF BANDRA

Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, is a fast-paced metropolis with a population of over 2 crores nestling in an area of approximately 604 sq. Km. While the city’s urbanization graph progresses rapidly in an upward trajectory, its large public open spaces offer its citizens a tranquil moment of pause in the daily rush of life. A variety of well-known public spaces, like Juhu Beach, Bandstand, Carter Road promenade, Marine Lines, Worli Sea Face, and Borivali National Park, envelop the city of Mumbai exuding freshness and positivity.

While the conservation and maintenance of these large spaces is imperative, the rejuvenation of small, local unused open spaces also becomes paramount to elevate the physical, social, and emotional well-being of communities on grassroots level. One such example is the Arbour Park which spreads a wave of pure cool air in the lives of the surrounding residents of Bandra.

Overlooking the serene Bandstand Sea, this 4,500 sq. Ft Park is the rehabilitated design of an old, barren space surrounded by tall compound walls. Emulating the concept of openness and the free spirit of Bandra, the walls were taken down to break all boundaries and make a beautiful, well-planned green space enticing local residents and visitors.
The Park houses a wide range of scenic plantations, seasonal flower plants, and fragrant creepers which add a pleasant aroma to the environment of the park and becomes an eye-pleasing visual for the visitors. Glimpses of the sea visible through the swaying branches of the trees ignite a feeling of curiosity and tranquility in the minds of the visitors.

A well-groomed walking pathway encourages people to use the Park for traversing effectively through the junction. Comfortable seating spaces interspersed with natural vegetation create a calming ambience for relaxation and unwinding after a hectic day. The simple yet soothing aura of the park invites people to utilize the space on a regular basis.

The COVID-19 pandemic era subjected everyone to a forced house arrest making us realize the severe importance of experiencing fresh air in open spaces. Keeping this in mind, the need to revitalize existing, abandoned open spaces into well-planned public gardens has risen. While higher level organizations work on the maintenance of large public open spaces, careful attention also needs to be given to the upgradation of small pocket spaces spread locally around us.
With an aim to effectively enhance the quality of life of the local residents, Arbour Park inspires citizens to focus on the revival of open spaces around them and create small breathing pockets for a cluttered city like Mumbai.