New bicycle park at Thiruvananthapuram attracts youngsters

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<strong>With the aim of providing wholesome entertainment for people, a bicycle park has been opened at Akkulam Tourist Village in Kerala’s capital city Thiruvananthapuram. Located inside the children’s park, it has been constructed by the Tourism Department at a cost of Rs.10 crore.</strong></p>
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Inaugurating the park, Sharon Veettil, Secretary of District Tourism Promotion Council told the media: “Since opening, we have been getting a good response from the public who are actively waiting for their chance to take the cycles. The aim is to promote cycling. Since the park is close to residential areas, many children are coming for riding cycles during the evening.”</p>
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The park is situated on top of a hill and is a major draw for youngsters. It opens at 9.30 a.m. and shuts down at 6.30 p.m. and charges Rs.30 for adults and Rs.20 for children for a 15-minute ride.</p>
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Sharing more details about the park, Sharon said: “There is also a walkway near the bicycle park. We are planning to include more facilities such as eateries in the park so visitors can spend a full day here. Such facilities will help promote adventure tourism at Akkulam.”</p>
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Plans are also afoot by the Tourism Department officials to introduce a musical water fountain at Akkulam. Also, in collaboration with the Air Force, a museum and simulator for a flying experience are being set. The tourist village with have other facilities that will include an amphitheatre, cricket bowling pitch, a walking track and a video game park.</p>
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The new recreational project added to the Akkulam Tourist Village has been welcomed by cycling enthusiasts.</p>
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Talking to Express News Service, Prakash P Gopinath, a cycling enthusiast who for many years has been promoting cycling in the capital remarked: “The cycle park is a very good initiative. People of all age groups can come and cycle here during their leisure hours. More such infrastructure should come up in the city.”</p>