Open Spaces for all

Suggestions to the Supdt. Of Gardens, Gardens Department, MCGM

1. ACCESSIBILITY

1.1 Connectivity

1.1.1. Open spaces must be conveniently reachable on foot or by bicycle,

with wide and unobstructed footpaths and safe cycle tracks leading to them
(As per guidelines in IRC: 103-2012).

1.1.1a. Open spaces must have wheelchair accessibility from the drop off
location on the road upto the entrance(s) of the open space.

1.1.2. High frequency options to reach Open Spaces by public transport must
be made available to reduce private vehicle use. A bicycle sharing system
would be a plus.

1.1.2a. If open spaces are more than a ten minute walk from public
transport a bicycle rental service can be provided such that people can use
the bicycles to access the open spaces.

1.1.3. All Open Spaces must include a well-planned with on-street parking
management system. This means introducing parking fees for private car
owners to avoid misuse of space and ensuring adequate, free and safe
bicycle parking facilities.

1.1.3a. Dedicated disabled parking space should be planned as close as

possible to the entrance of the open space.

1.1.3b. Entrances to open spaces should be located in such a manner that

they do not disrupt traffic around the park.

STAKEHOLDER

“I got polio when I was a child - for as long

as I can remember, I’ve been unable to walk
without support”

It is vital that open spaces are universally

accessible; they should be especially
designed to cater to the needs of people
with different abilities

Page 1 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

1.1.4. 10-minute Walk Rule: Every Mumbaikar in every neighbourhood must

have access to an Open Space within an 800m radius or a maximum 10
minute walk of their residence. Priority must be given to developing new
urban green spaces in areas of the city where there is currently a lack of
such spaces.

1.2 Signage, Wayfinding and Mapping

1.2.1. All Open Spaces must have simple, consistent, multilingual and visual
identification, and directional signage for wayfinding that are easily visible
from a distance.

1.2.2. Regulatory signage including rules for using Open Spaces must be
minimal, easy to understand and legible in Marathi, Hindi, English and
Braille.

1.2.3. Informational signage should be available at each Open Space, with

easy to understand icons of essential activities and facilities available at the
location.

1.2.3a. Signage should be located such that it is easily visible and should
preferably have very less text and be more visual and icon based.

STAKEHOLDER

“Things changed after a few years, when I was

introduced to this electric wheelchair. Overnight,
I felt independent”

It is important to support people with different

abilities and the elderly in open spaces. Larger
green spaces should have access to a wheelchair
and if possible an electric wheelchair.

1.2.4. A map of the open space (Based on the size: May not be required for
smaller neighborhood parks) indicating accessible pathways inside the park,
possible services such as toilets along with geotagged images of points of
interest in the park will further help users to navigate the space
comfortably.

1.2.5. Uniformity should be maintained in color, size and shape of all

signage and maps.

1.2.6. Certain signage can be integrated into the floor and also into seating
which will make it accessible to people with visual impairments.
Page 2 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

1.3 Visual and Physical Accessibility

1.3.1. Open Spaces must have minimal, visually permeable fencing (no solid
walls) or no fencing where possible (e.g Shivaji Park). Open Spaces must be
easily identifiable from the surrounding streets.

1.3.2. Open Spaces must have multiple entrances in conjunction with the
closest public transportation facilities (for eg. close to a bus stop) for easy
accessibility and to encourage usage of different areas of the space.

1.4 Safety

1.4.1. Safety of Open Spaces and surrounding areas is enhanced when they
are well-used at all times of the day and all through the year. Usage must
therefore be encouraged by multi-use and cultural programming
(see points 2.3 and 2.4)

1.4.2. Security guards must be present at all times. A training programme is

essential for security staff to build their culture and investment in the up
keep of Open Spaces.

1.4.3. Adequate lighting must be provided in Open Spaces for after-dark

hours.

1.4.3a. Lighting should be provided such that it provides uniform

illumination to all circulation/walking pathways.

1.4.4. All Open Spaces must have adequate basic First Aid kits and
equipment and must be easily accessible for Emergency Vehicles.

1.4.5. Emergency phone services should be provided in the open space. It is

important to equip people with quick and easy access to emergency
services like police and fire services.

1.5 Seating

1.5.1. An adequate amount and variety of comfortable seating options must
be available in all Open Spaces. For eg. seating in shaded areas, temporary
or moveable seating, group or individual seating, etc.

1.5.2. Seating should be provided along circulation spaces and be easily

accessible without any kerbs.

1.5.3. Picnic tables and seating may also be provided in certain allocated
areas of the open space.
Page 3 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

STAKEHOLDER

“I’ve been with this family for sixteen years now. I do

a lot of things for them but my main job is taking
care of Amma.”

It is important to support people with different

abilities and the elderly in open spaces. Larger
green spaces should have access to a wheelchair
and if possible an electric wheelchair.

1.6 Timings, Encroachments and Maintenance

1.6.1. Open Spaces should be open during daylight hours. Closing hours must
be kept to an absolute minimum (for eg. 12 to 5am) and only where
absolutely necessary.

1.6.2. Maintenance should be scheduled on a daily basis and must cause as

little as possible inconvenience to the public.

1.6.3. All public open spaces must be open to sky with minimal built
structures essential for services, storage and maintenance of the space.
Encroachments or structures (shed/local office/walls) that benefit the
encroacher and restrict public access to open spaces should not be
allowed.

1.6.4. Some forms of encroachments could be in favour of community use

and better operation of public space. Impacts of encroachment should
therefore be assessed and monitored at regular intervals,
(with inputs from the users).

1.6.5. Necessary actions to remedy encroachments should be taken. This

could include orders to remove encroached structures/materials, establish
agreement of use, etc.

1.7 Open Spaces App and Website

1.7.1. A dedicated user-friendly App and Website must be developed to
make all information regarding Open Spaces easily available and accessible
to the Public.
For eg. finding the closest Open Space near oneself in any given area and
how best to get there by public transport, notifications about any
maintenance work going on, booking a slot and permission to conduct a
free class or workshop in an Open Space, facilities and activities available in
the space, submitting a query/complaint about any maintenance issues, etc.

Page 4 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

1.7.2. The Website should also clearly display allocated budgets for Open
Spaces and how they are being distributed and used. (Transparency)

1.7.3. An App maybe developed to also identify park that cater to specific
user needs such as parks that have children’s play areas or parks that are
accessible to pets, parks that are friendly towards the differently abled.

1.7.4. The app could also serve as an effective wayfinding tool.

2. INCLUSIVITY

2.1 Diversity

2.1.1. All Open Spaces must be accessible to members of all socio-economic

backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages.

STAKEHOLDER

“In 2004, we attempted the Mumbai Marathon –

we started and finished together. It was an
experience of a lifetime!”

Open spaces play a very important role in

providing a space for health and wellbeing of
Mumbaikers. Hence it is important to provide an
inclusive recreational and socialization space
that is open to all.

2.1.2. All Open Spaces must be easily approached, entered and navigable by
people with different abilities.

2.1.3. All Open Spaces must have ramps and slopes ( any change in the
height of the floor level ) for wheelchair users, senior citizens and caregivers
of babies and toddlers.

2.1.4. No fees should be charged to access Open Spaces.

2.2 Multi-Use

2.2.1. Users of Open Spaces must have a range of reasons to be there -

recreation, picnics, rest, play, exercise, socialization, entertainment, etc. This
ensures extended usage of parks to a range of users making the place
attractive, vibrant and safe.

2.2.1a. Jogging and walking paths must be provided along the periphery of
the open spaces without any concreting.
Page 5 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

2.2.2. Free and safe Wifi should be considered in specially designated parks
to encourage use for study and work.

2.2.3. Cafés, food stalls and street vendors can be encouraged in designated
areas of some Open Spaces to extend usage time and encourage
employment and the local economy.

STAKEHOLDER

“I am from Benaras. I’ve worked hard to save every

penny for my children and their future.”

Open spaces should be equitable.

2.2.3a. Spaces allocated for cafe or food stalls shall be semi-enclosed in

nature. They should not form more than 8 to 10 percent of the total area of
the open space.

2.2.3b. Cafe owners, food vendors and street vendors must be adequately
trained in sustainable waste management practices and shall ensure that
the waste they generate is appropriately segregated, disposed and com
posted at source before the end of each day. (more details in point 3.3).

2.3 Education, Cultural Programming and Volunteerism

2.3.1. A core team of horticulturists, naturists, rangers, etc must be employed

for the continued study & maintenance of parks and for the education of
the public at large.

2.3.2. Regular, non-commercial, non-religious and free cultural programming

such as concerts, street plays, workshops and classes should be encouraged
in Open Spaces. Care must be taken to ensure programming causes minimal
inconvenience to regular Open Space users. Cultural programming adds to
the vibrancy and usage of these spaces.

2.3.3. Volunteerism must be encouraged in maintenance and landscaping

activities to encourage a sense of stewardship amongst users.

2.3.4. Section of the park can also be dedicated towards urban gardening
based on the interest of the immediate community around the open space.
This would be an opportunity for the community to grow their own food
and actively become involved in the use and maintenance of the open
space.
Page 6 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

STAKEHOLDER

“I am hiding from my mom because if she catches

me, she’ll say, ‘Asha! Do your homework’, but I just
want to sit here with my friends and play . . .”

Open spaces have a role to play in the overall

development of children; they have an impact on
the mental and physical health of children.

2.4 Children and Pet friendly

2.4.1. All Open Spaces must have a variety of safe play zones for children of
different age groups made with a variety of elements including creative
structures, water play, sand play, and free play.

2.4.2. Accident prevention and safety is essential through regular

maintenance of children’s play areas, non concrete paving options in and
around the children play area.

2.4.3. The children play zones should be easily accessible to strollers and
also allow access to children with different abilities.

2.4.4. Select open spaces may be allotted for pet owners so that they can
also have a safe space to take their pets to.

2.4.5. Exercise equipment may also be provided for older adults in certain
spaces.

STAKEHOLDER

“Champ had 21 seizures in 3 days, we don’t know for sure,

whether Champ will be okay - but we want to make sure
he lives his best life, at least till the time he’s with us.”

Open spaces are as important to animals and birds as

much as they are to humans. It is essential to support the
use of open space by both pets as well as native species
of birds.

2.5 User Involvement

Identify and engage with multi age and background users of Open Spaces
to identify the needs of the community through workshops and surveys.
Periodic re-evaluation must take place to make sure the space is serving its
purpose.
Page 7 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

3. SUSTAINABILITY

3.1 Protecting existing green spaces

3.1.1. All existing Open Spaces marked as Recreation Grounds (RG), Play
Grounds (PG), Parks (P) and Gardens (G) in the Development Plan must be
given a protected status to prevent encroachment and recategorization for
development.

3.1.2. Avoid demarcating traffic islands as playgrounds in the Development

Plan – these merely meet aesthetic purposes, and cannot be safely used as
playgrounds.

3.1.3. All efforts must be made to further afforestation of Open Spaces.

3.1.4. Preferably native and Indigenous species should be used in all open
spaces for plantation purpose.

3.2 Public Private Partnership

3.2.1. It is the duty of the Garden Department of MCGM “to provide

recreational facilities to the citizens by developing reserved Open Spaces
and maintaining the same.” (as per Sankalan FAQs published on MCGM
website 2019) Any private partnerships undertaken for the management
and maintenance of Open Spaces must not be allowed to have more than a
40% stake in the space and special care must be taken to preserve the
publicness of the space.

3.2.2. The MCGM must retain the power to set and approve policies in Open
Spaces in consultation with citizens. Private entities should not be
permitted to charge an entry fee nor enforce their own policies nor use
Open Spaces for any private commercial purposes.

3.2.3. ALMs and Citizens Association groups partnering in the management

or maintaining of Open Spaces must consist of members of all
socio-economic backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages to be truly
representative of the needs of the whole community using the space.

3.2.4. All groups involved in managing and maintaining Open Spaces must
compulsorily conduct periodic workshops, surveys and studies with users
to make sure Open Spaces are serving the needs of all stakeholders.
(Please see point 2.6)

Page 8 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

3.3 Water Harvesting and Drinking Water

3.3.1. All water requirements for Open Spaces must be met by employing a
water Harvesting system. This ensures a self-sustaining model of an Open
Space, crucial during times of water-shortage.

3.3.2. Open Spaces can also be used to harvest the water from neighbouring
areas.

3.3.3. Free and potable drinking water facilities should be available at all
Open Spaces to discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles.

3.4 Waste Management, Public Toilets and Lighting

3.4.1. Garbage disposal facilities with clear segregation signage must be

present to ensure that there is no littering in Open Spaces.

3.4.2. Composting and mulching facilities must be available on site at all

Open Spaces to deal with all organic, garden and dry leaves generated in
the space.

3.4.4. All Open Spaces must have easily accessible and well-maintained
public toilets which use grey water for flushing.

3.4.4a. At least one toilet must be designated for the use of persons with
different abilities.

3.4.5. Adequate toilets must be provided for both men and women.
Additional portable toilets could be provided in open spaces over the
weekends to accommodate additional visitors.

3.4.6. All open spaces should also have solar powered lights. Roofs of any
structures on site should be used for solar panels if required for additional
lighting requirements.

3.5 Flooding and Wetlands

3.5.1. Open Spaces can be used as Emergency areas.

3.5.2. Certain Open Green Spaces can be designed to accumulate flooding

rather than letting the neighbourhood flood.

Page 9 of 10
 Open Spaces for all

3.5.3. Increasing and protecting the wetland areas in the city will also help to
mitigate flooding issues. They can be designed to capture runoff, improve
water quality, and to encourage natural wildlife habitat necessary from an
ecological standpoint.

3.6 Temporary Open Spaces

Efforts must be made to make temporary usable Open Spaces by closing
certain roads to traffic on fixed days of the week. This is an effective,
low-cost and quick way to add usable public Open Space while the city
waits to regain spaces that have been temporarily lost to development
projects such as Metro construction or for new open space projects to be
completed (e.g. Equal Streets and Raahgiri Day)

STAKEHOLDER

“He has to stay at home a lot and I don’t want him to get
bored – I want him to experience so many things. So every
evening, I make it a point to bring him here for a walk.”

A holistic new public policy document for Mumbai’s open

spaces in the 21st Century is critical to improve the quality
of life for all Mumbaikars.

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL NOTES

Most of the points (Non-bolded) are taken from Love Your Parks Mumbai.
All photos of stakeholders and quotes are taken from Humans of Bombay
facebook page.

There are various stakeholders involved in open/green spaces; users,

governing body, maintenance and service providers, and influencers /
donors. This document specifically focuses on policies from the
perspective of the users.

Page 10 of 10