Concerted and united efforts can work wonders as can be seen in Mumbai’s Kaifi Azmi Park which was once a dump yard and is now a popular neighbourhood park in Juhu.

It took 11 long years for the citizens’ groups – the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group and Save Open Spaces — to ensure that this place located next to a sewer line is converted into a green public space. It now boasts of a walking path, joggers’ track, amphitheatre, garden which has medicinal, aromatic and flowering plants, a gazebo for the yoga enthusiasts to practice, and also green stretches of mangroves along its periphery.

It was in 2017 that this park was inaugurated by Zakir Hussain the table wizard and he performed at the inaugural ceremony.

A walking path runs around the periphery of the park while another patch of grass on an elevation makes viewing of sunrise and sunset beautiful. The amphitheatre called Vijay Tendulkar Amphitheatre in the centre allows cultural events to take place and at the same time enables people to enjoy sunshine.

Restrooms and drinking water facilities in the park provide the necessary amenities for the public. There are plenty of benches for people to rest and enjoy each other’s company.

The flowering plants and trees give a touch of colour to the surroundings as do the exquisite murals including one showing legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar add to the aesthetics of the place.