VOC Park, Erode

V.O.Chidambaranar Park or VOC Park is a recreational park located in the South Indian city of Erode in Tamil Nadu. The park is owned and maintained by Erode Municipal Corporation.

History

The park was constructed in 1912 with a land spread of 25 acres, when Thanthai Periyar was the Chairman of Erode Municipal Council. The original idea of the park was developed as a part of the Drinking water project to the town.[1] Erode Municipality built a small reservoir named as Pechiparai to store the water from River Kaveri and four tanks in the form of towers joined with a wall.[2] And a garden has been established in its vicinity, named after the then Municipal Chairman Srinivasa Mudaliar. With the succession of Sheikh Dawood as next Municipal Chairman, he renamed the place, Peoples' Park and added a Mini-Zoo to it.[3]

Facilities

The park has Gardens, two lakes, fountains and walkways. A Mini Zoo recognized by the Central Zoo Authority has been established in the park during 1992.[4][5] But due to improper maintenance it was closed in 2007.[6] In 2007, Erode Municipal Corporation developed a Science Park at a cost of ₹ 13 Lakh, opposite to the main park. The Science Park developed with a scope to improve play oriented knowledge for kids, also called Children's Park.[7] A toy train ride was available till 2007, which is not being operated now.[8] Erode Municipal Corporation has opened an Amma Unavagam at the second gate of VOC Park.[9]

Sports Arenas

The Park premises houses two major Arenas for hoisting sports, fairs and other cultural events.

District Sports Complex

The District Sports unit is functioning in this Sports Complex. It is commonly called as VOC Park SDAT Stadium. This Stadium is owned and maintained by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. The district level Independence day and Republic day celebrations will happen here, in the presence of District Collector.

Municipal Grounds

There is a maidan owned and maintained by Erode Municipal Corporation named as VOC Park Municipal Grounds, which is primarily used as a Cricket Ground.[10] It also hoists various programs like exhibitions, trade fairs, annual events like Erode Book Festival and other cultural events.[11][12] A dedicated track has been established for the walkers inside the premises.[13]

Places of Worship

There are two devotional places located inside the premises of the park

  • Mahaveera Anjaneyar Temple [14][15]
  • Darga of 400 years old [16]

Notes

References
  1. "A darga in the dark for 3 years". New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  2. 3309 Part-B DCHB Erode (District Census Handbook-Erode) (PDF). Census of India-2011. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  3. "Chapter-2:Memories of Erode". India of the Past. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  4. Central Zoo Authority and Indian Zoos: A Current Overview (PDF). Zoosprint. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  5. "List of Zoos in India, from 100 until now". Kuchbhi. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  6. "Corporation begins works to improve VOC Park". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  7. "Children find no science in this park". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  8. "Municipality to privatise maintenance of VOC park". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  9. "Amma Unavagam awaits inauguration". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  10. "வ.உ.சி., பூங்கா விளையாட்டு மைதானம் மார்க்கெட்டிங் வியாபார தளமாக மாற்றமா?". Dinamalar. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  11. "Foreigners celebrate Kanum Pongal at VOC Park". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  12. "Good response to book festival". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  13. "Erode synthetic walking track indoor stadium proposed". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  14. "Religious fervour". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  15. "Arulmigu Mahaveera Anjaneyar". TNHRCE. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  16. "A darga in the dark for 3 years". New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 December 2016.

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