Bengaluru residents demand extended park timings, seek full-day access on weekends

Working professionals, senior citizens, and parents urge the Greater Bengaluru Authority to revise park timings, citing inconvenience caused by restricted hours across South Bengaluru zones.

Public dissatisfaction is growing in Bengaluru over restricted park timings, with residents demanding immediate changes to the schedule fixed by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Citizens across the Bengaluru South municipal limits say the current timings make it difficult for large sections of the population to use public parks.

As per the existing rules, parks are open from 5 am to 11 am in the morning and from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening. These timings were introduced following complaints of illegal activities inside parks. However, residents argue that the restrictions are affecting genuine users more than offenders.

Working professionals, especially those in IT and engineering sectors, say they return home only around 8 pm. By the time they finish dinner and plan a walk, parks are already closed. Many say they are completely deprived of daily walking and fitness routines due to the early closure.

Senior citizens have also raised concerns, stating that afternoon hours are more suitable for them. With parks remaining shut during the daytime, elderly residents say they are unable to go for walks when it is convenient for them.

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Parents have expressed frustration over weekend restrictions. Several parks reportedly remain closed after 11 am even on Sundays. Families say they are unable to take children to parks on weekends, limiting recreational space for kids in the city.

Residents have also pointed out that in several neighbourhoods, parks are not open full-time even on weekends. Citizens are now demanding that parks be kept open for the entire day on Saturdays and Sundays to allow families, children, and senior citizens to use them freely.

Following these concerns, many residents have submitted written representations to the GBA Commissioner, urging authorities to revise the timing policy. Citizens are demanding extended morning and evening hours on weekdays and full-day access on weekends.

The demand is gaining momentum as residents say public parks are essential community spaces and should be accessible to all sections of society without inconvenience.