The United Nations Park, located at the Panchlaish Residential Area in Chattogram city, will reopen to the public on 3 January 2025 after undergoing a significant facelift.

The Public Works Department (PWD), which was entrusted with restoring the once-popular park, has completed the necessary work under a Tk12.65 crore project.

Kamrul Hasan Khan, executive engineer of the PWD Chattogram Region Circle-1, told the Daily Sun that the park will open to the public after a ceremony on 3 January, with the PWD covering the maintenance costs.

During a recent visit to the park, the Daily Sun found the park covered with lush green grass, complemented by various species of flowers and ornamental trees. The well-organised walkways and seating arrangements are expected to enhance the visitors’ experience, while a modern fountain serves as the park’s centerpiece.

Additionally, horizontal bars and metal pergolas have been installed to allow children to play and exercise.

The park is also equipped with essential amenities, including toilet blocks, drainage systems, dustbins, compound lights, streetlights, CCTV cameras, a solar power system, and lighting arrangements.

Highlighting the park’s key features, Engineer Khan noted that it spans 2.27 acres in the Panchlaish residential area.

“It includes a 2,940-square-metre walkway and 44 reinforced cement concrete (RCC) benches,” he said, expressing confidence that the historic park will soon regain its former vibrancy.

Rofikul Islam, a resident of the Panchlaish Residential Area, was seen strolling on the park’s green space with his two daughters.

Reflecting on the past, he said, “We spent our childhood here. This park holds so many memories for us. I hope our children will also create cherished memories in this beautiful space.”

Previously, the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) had constructed a swimming pool, occupying a significant portion of the park.

In February 2016, the CCC also planned to commercialise the park by constructing a community centre and guest house under a 25-year lease agreement. However, strong public protests forced the CCC to abandon the plan.

The PWD assumed ownership of the park in 2017 and launched the revitalisation project titled “Development of United Nations Green Park with Modern Facilities in Panchlaish Residential Area.”

The Planning Commission approved the project on 4 July 2022.

Initially budgeted at Tk11.70 crore, the cost was later revised to Tk12.65 crore. The project, originally scheduled for completion by June this year, was delayed due to monsoon rains.

Md Abu Syed Selim, general secretary of the Panchlaish Residential Area Welfare Association, praised the transformation, stating, “When there were attempts to commercialise the park, we strongly opposed it. The PWD has now turned this long-abandoned space into a green haven.”

However, he emphasised the need for security measures, given the expected influx of visitors from across the city, to ensure the safety of the residential area.