Senior citizens’ park in Dharan emerges as new tourist hotspot

Dharan (Sunsari) – The senior citizens’ park under construction on the border of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Wards 13 and 20 is developing into a new tourist destination.

With senior citizen-friendly infrastructure, structures reflecting rural settings, cultural materials, and natural beauty, the park has started attracting both domestic and international tourists daily.

Targeted at senior citizens, the park is being built with disability-friendly structures, providing a comfortable, safe, and convenient environment. Surrounding the park, dozens of gardens, including the Labor Culture Park, have been constructed, drawing hundreds of tourists daily. This has further contributed to promoting tourism in Dharan.

Ramila Rai, who visited Dharan with her family from Chhathar Jorpati in Dhankuta, reached the senior citizens’ park. After her visit, she expressed happiness over the creation of such a well-equipped park for senior citizens. “We are very happy that such a park has been made for people like us. It’s easy to walk, comfortable to sit, and the peaceful environment makes it enjoyable to spend time here,” she said. “Seeing a beautiful park now in a place that was once a dense jungle covered with shrubs is very pleasing.”

Inside the park, attractive small houses with thatched roofs and walls plastered with clay have been constructed. These structures, reflecting a rural setting, have enhanced the park’s beauty. Additionally, an attractive pond has been built within the park, further increasing its natural appeal.

According to Dipendra Rai, a former military engineer and member of the construction committee, the park’s internal architectural and structural design was prepared based on 3D modeling. He mentioned that the experience gained during his military service has been utilized in this project.

The park, being constructed with labor donations and donor support, is undergoing necessary modifications based on received suggestions. It is being built with special attention to the physical condition and comfort of senior citizens. Structures like resting platforms, rest areas, and short-distance relaxation spots have been constructed.

Similarly, a disability-friendly walkway has been built for ease of movement. Structures suitable for wheelchair users have also been prepared. The park includes a one-way entry and easy exit system, as informed by Engineer Rai.

To cater to the health of senior citizens, arrangements have been made for light physical exercise and entertainment materials. A medical room for primary care is being constructed, and rest houses are under construction. Some structures have been completed, while work on others is progressing gradually, he stated.

In the small houses built with donor support, cultural materials and symbols reflecting the customs, culture, and identity of various ethnic groups, from Silam Sakma to Chindo, have been placed. The integration of senior citizen-friendly infrastructure, rural-themed structures, and cultural materials has established the park as a new tourist destination in Dharan.

Near the senior citizens’ park, the Labor Culture Park has been constructed. Within the same area, SDS Rock Garden, SNS Chautari, SDB Rose Garden, Jhakri Dah, Labor Donation Chautari, Ara Dharan, and the Silence Zone (Green Buddha) have been completed. Additionally, former soldiers from the Singapore Police, British Army, and Indian Army have constructed the Gorkha Chautari.

Art inspired by labor and structures reflecting the essence of labor have been attracting both domestic and international tourists. Currently, thousands of tourists visit the senior citizens’ park and nearby gardens daily, according to local businessman Dinesh Magar. Dozens of attractive gardens have been built in this area. What was once a place with almost no visitors now sees hundreds of tourists daily.