Sopore, May 08 : With concerns rising daily over deteriorating public health—exacerbated by unhygienic fast food and a growing menace of substance abuse among the younger generation—an open-air gym in north Kashmir’s Sopore town has unexpectedly emerged as a sanctuary for residents across all age groups.
Located within a municipal park, the facility, installed by the Sopore Municipal Council during tenure of ULB candidates and under the then chairperson MC Sopore Masrat Rasool Kar this air open gym park has turned into a bustling hub from early morning till dusk. For many locals, it represents more than just fitness; it is a refuge from both lifestyle diseases and the lure of drugs.
“Health is wealth. Given the rising health worries — be it from unhygienic food or fast food — this open-air gym is a great relief. Here, we not only focus on our own well-being but also get to spend quality time with our children,” said a group of elderly residents working out at the park.
Local residents point out that while health scares like diabetes, obesity, and cardiac issues are rising, the spectre of drug abuse among youth has made community fitness spaces critical.
Toufail Ahmad, a regular visitor to the gym, told The Kashmir Convener that the facility has become a “gift” for the town.
“It’s a really great gift from the Sopore Municipal Council. From morning to evening hours, the rush is increasing. People from all walks of life come here to focus on their fitness,” Toufail said.
He added that the intergenerational aspect of the gym is its biggest success.
“The best part is our elder generation comes during the evening time. They are spending good, healthy fitness time. For young people, it keeps them away from wrong practices and negative influences, including drugs,” he said.
Locals now demand more such facilities across the town, citing the need for preventive healthcare and positive community spaces amid growing public health anxieties.
Saika, a mother of a six-year-old child, while speaking to Kashmir Convener, said, “This open-air gym park is truly a relieving place for us. It is near my house. Every evening, I come here with my child. Besides her playing here, I also focus on my fitness. This is really something to praise the government for.”
She further stated, “I am not aware of who made this or under whose direction, but one thing I know and must say—I appreciate the government for providing such facilities for the awaam (people).”
Waris Fayaz, a journalist based in the town and living near the park, praised the authorities for the concept. However, he appealed to them to intervene and outsource the facility for proper maintenance.
He added that such facilities are the need of the hour, not only for the youth but for everyone. Therefore, the Municipal council (MC) Sopore must look into this park for further maintenance.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, former Municipal Council President Masrat Rasool Kar said the project was among the key developmental initiatives undertaken during her tenure as Chairperson.
“My commitment to the well-being of the community has always been a priority, and this development was part of our efforts for public welfare,” she said.
She added that open-air gyms have been installed in various cities across the country, providing a beneficial facility to people—especially fitness enthusiasts—close to their homes in an open, natural environment with fresh air.
“Our aim was to benefit the people of Sopore,” she said. “As Municipal President of Sopore, my vision was not just infrastructure development but an investment in the health and future of our youth through this open-air gym.”
She further said, “Development will continue, but something that works on people’s fitness was my priority. Today, when I see families spending time there, it gives me happiness.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MC Sopore, Wali Muhammad, told Kashmir Convener that the department is keenly interested in developments where people are taking care of their mental and physical fitness. He said the department will look into any concerns or issues people are facing there, and will also focus on the further maintenance of the park.
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