BANDSTAND PARK 1 REKINDLES THE FRESHNESS OF YET ANOTHER OPEN SPACE IN MUMBAI

Situated along the Bandstand Promenade and opening up to scenic views of the sea, Bandstand Park 1 is a 10,000 sq. Ft open and usable public space which evolved from an old and derelict land. With a vision to create a fresh air pocket in the vast and densely populated city of Mumbai, this particular park, surrounded by iconic landmarks like Bandra Fort, Mannat (residence of a renowned celebrity, Shah Rukh Khan), and Taj Land’s End Hotel, was revitalized to provide a soothing getaway from the daily grind for the vast number of visitors passing through the promenade. Design firm, Atelier ARBO teamed up with the local ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to bring this vision into reality.

Accessible from the main road, Bandstand Park 1 spreads out in a continuous flow of open spaces interconnected to each other. The design of the park revolves synchronously around a central tropical tree having an expansive foliage which covers a major part of the space.

A winding course of a kempt walkway smoothly navigates a visitor through the park which primarily showcases three distinct zones amalgamated together. A children play area occupies the central zone shadowed by the thick branches of the tropical tree. Parks with play equipment are an appealing factor in the minds of the children who crave fun and joyful activities. Taking inspiration from the constant movements of children, the park has an even flow of intriguing play equipment and activity patterns mapped on the floor to create a wholesome track of amusing elements with a ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ mark. This track includes a variety of enticing apparatus such as a balancing beam, a merry-go-round, a basketball hook with three baskets, a circular slide, a climbing net, and a hopscotch pattern ingrained on the cushioned floor. The aim is to provide a playful learning environment for children.

A seating zone interspersed with lush green vegetation sprawls along the sea-facing side of the park where people can comfortably sit and admire the beauty of the calming sea waves and the spectacular views of the sunset painting the sky in golden hues. While this zone offers beautiful glimpses of the sea, another seating space under a trellis along the walkway presents picturesque views of the inside of the park and a resting space for conversation and interaction. Fragrant creepers grown along the trellis add to the fascinating play of light and shadows casted on the curved seating having a low backrest. Acting as a pause point in the course of exploring the park, this seating area incites self-reflection and peaceful solitude.

Owing to the large footfall of visitors frequenting the Bandra Promenade for its eminent landmarks, the revival of this old park was taken up with a strong intention to grant the large masses of people a peaceful and easily accessible open space for recreation and relaxation. Bandstand Park 1 is a stepping stone in the extensive upgradation scheme of public open spaces of Mumbai for an enhanced lifestyle of all its citizens.