Labony Estate got twin gifts in the run-up to the Pujas — a beautified public space with benches and a children’s playground.

Both were inaugurated by MLA and minister Sujit Bose, mayor Krishna Chakraborty and councilor Tulsi Sinha Roy.

A portion of land was cleaned out at long last in Labony Estate’s G Block. The new rectangular stretch is tiled, has benches and railings along the border and is illuminated by powerful high mast lighting. At one end is also a raised platform that served as the stage for the occasion.

Secretary of Labony’s G Block association, Lopamudra Roy, said senior citizens would tell her how they would play badminton on that patch decades before it got overrun by wild growth. “I consulted Tulsidi and began clearing the space. There was resistance from neighbors whose gardens had spread into this land but I had to think of the majority, who claimed they felt unsafe crossing this dark patch at night,” Roy said.

Groups of women and children had started making use of the benches right after inauguration. “This stretch used to be a jungle but it’s looking so pretty now. I would love to come here for breaks between my studies,” said Tanisha Chakraborty, a resident pursuing her B.Tech.

A children’s playground was inaugurated in Labony Estates’ F Block on the same day.

“This park used to be fallow land earlier and residents would use it to dry clothes. But we requested the councilor to build a mini park for kids here and we are happy with the result. It’s looking neat and colorful,” said Aloke Raha, better known as Kalida in the housing complex.

Bose said the park would be a respite for children after being locked down for months and Chakraborty felt beautifying parks keeps them busy with visitors and hence keeps unlawful elements away.

The new park sports a slide, a see-saw, a merry-go-round and two swings, and kids needed no invitation to start playing.

“Before this, I would have to drive down my six-year-old Nancy and two-year-old Kanishk to CD Park to play. That was the nearest park with playthings as well as open space to run about,” said Sapna Verma Bhattacharya. “But this new playground is right opposite my flat and the kids will come here everyday.”