Streamlining Cubbon Park Process for Crowds

26 Dec 2024

Ms Kusuma

Deputy Director

Cubbon Park

Bangalore 560001

Dear Kusuma,

Thank you for your dedication to maintaining and enhancing Cubbon Park. Your efforts in keeping the park vibrant and accessible are truly appreciated. In view of the recent issue with Cubbon Reads and the previous blow up with Skaters Group, I would like to offer some suggestions to improve visitor management and public engagement, which I believe will support  core mission and enhance the park's reputation. While your focus in the preservation and flourishing of a green horticultural heritage park, it is still a public space and beloved by all.

Suggestions:

1. Clear Rules and Communication: 

 - Publish a clear set of rules (ensuring they are valid, genuine and people friendly) on the website and display them at main entrances. Well written & clear notice  boards are key. 

 - Ensure that security personnel are well-informed about these rules and the reasons behind them. This will enable them to enforce regulations consistently and professionally.

2. Enhanced Security:   

- Evaluate the current security agency and consider upgrading to a more professional service or investing in comprehensive staff training.. Training and being empowered is key. We can help on this,    

- Well-trained security personnel can de-escalate situations and prevent public relations issues. 

-increased CCTV spots and crowd management via CCTV feed .

3. Rule Justification: 

 - Clearly communicate the rationale behind park rules (e.g., restrictions on photography, dogs, etc.).    

- When visitors understand the reasons for rules, they are more likely to comply. Show pics of litter on Monday morning that staff clean up, so the amount of litter created by holiday crowds is understood

4. Additional Staffing:   

- While acknowledging budgetary constraints, consider the benefits of additional staff, particularly at a managerial level, to oversee park operations, stakeholder relationships, and day-to-day issues.

- Look at volunteer group like NCC, Rotary, Plog Army or Ugly Indian on peak holidays

5. Crowd Management:   

- Explore the possibility of deploying home guards or BBMP Marshalls on weekends and busy days to manage large crowds effectively. An experimental drone could be a good idea

6. Website /Media Updates:   

- Keep the website , Facebook and Instagram current and informative.  

 - Proactively communicate any changes or updates to key partners like Cubbon Park Walkers Association, We Cubbon Park, and Heritage Beku to foster collaboration.

7. Permission Process:   

- Review the practicality of the current permission process for groups of 20 people or more.    

- Consider allowing certain semi commercial activities like guided walks, which can boost tourism.

8. Park Maintenance: 

 - Address the need for improved CCTV, building maintenance, and painting.   

- Share staff roles and responsibilities to facilitate communication.

9. Improved Communication and Equipment:   

- Implement a walkie-talkie system for security personnel to enhance coordination.    

- Ensure all guards have access to written rules and circulars, either on their mobiles or in printed format.

10. Activity Board Updates:   

- Regularly update the activity boards at the UB City entrance and Bandstand to inform visitors about upcoming events.

11. Clarity and Positive Messaging:   

- Clearly define, list rules and penalties for non-compliance, and communicate them in a friendly and collaborative manner.

-Involve public – plogging, clean up exercises , suggestion box etc etc     

- Instruct security personnel to avoid escalating issues without informing senior staff.    

- Reconsider rules that may be perceived as unnecessarily restrictive.    

- Share positive messages about the park's environment and amenities to create a welcoming atmosphere. Have a nice day, The weather is great 18 Degrees, AQI is 70 etc

- Have interactive engagements that support loyalty

–Stress  Bandstand revival is widely appreciated. We can organise and suggest a photography contest and a sketch/painting short story. A tree numbered treasure hunt etc

Conclusion:

By implementing these suggestions, I believe Cubbon Park can become an even more welcoming and inclusive space while maintaining its natural beauty and biodiversity. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal

CC: Shyamla Iqbal, Secretary, Horticulture , Dr Jagadish and others